Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Johannes Brahms with the release of "Brahms: Famous Pieces" on Pentatone. This exquisite collection, spanning a generous 2 hours and 18 minutes, is a testament to Brahms' enduring genius and his profound impact on classical music. The album is a rich tapestry of his most celebrated works, encompassing a diverse range of genres including classical, chamber music, and orchestral pieces.
From the hauntingly beautiful "Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 108" to the majestic "Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98," this album showcases Brahms' unparalleled ability to evoke deep emotion and intricate musical narratives. The inclusion of beloved pieces like the "Alto Rhapsody, Op. 53" and the lively "21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1" offers a comprehensive journey through Brahms' musical evolution.
The album is a treasure trove for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to Brahms' music. It features iconic compositions such as the "Ein deutsches Requiem, Op. 45" and the "Tragic Overture in D Minor, Op. 81," highlighting Brahms' mastery of orchestration and his ability to blend profound depth with technical brilliance. The "Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Op. 8" and the "String Sextet No. 1 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18" are standout pieces that exemplify his chamber music prowess.
"Brahms: Famous Pieces" is not just a compilation but a celebration of Johannes Brahms' musical legacy. Each track is a masterclass in composition, offering a glimpse into the mind of one of classical music's most revered figures. Whether you're drawn to the intricate melodies of the "4 Ballades, Op. 10" or the sweeping grandeur of the "Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68," this album promises a captivating listening experience that underscores Brahms' timeless appeal.
2021 Pentatone Music B.V.2021 See original release
Tracks
Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 108: III. Un poco presto e con sentimentoJohannes Brahms, Arabella Steinbacher, Robert Kulek
Clarinet Sonata in F Minor, Op. 120 No. 1 (Arr. L. Berio for Clarinet & Orchestra): III. Allegretto graziosoJohannes Brahms, Annelien van Wauwe, Orchestre National de Lille, Alexandre Bloch
4 Ballades, Op. 10: No. 1 in D Minor. Andante "Edward"Johannes Brahms, Denis Kozhukhin
4 Ballades, Op. 10: No. 2 in D Major. Andante espressivo e dolceJohannes Brahms, Nelly Akopian-Tamarina, Denis Kozhukhin
Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 100: I. Allegro amabileJohannes Brahms, Arabella Steinbacher, Robert Kulek
2 Songs, Op. 91: No. 2, Geistliches WiegenliedJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Yulia Deyneka
Double Concerto for Violin and Cello in A Minor, Op. 102: III. Vivace non troppoJohannes Brahms, Julia Fischer, Daniel Müller-Schott, Yakov Kreizberg, Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Op. 8: II. ScherzoJohannes Brahms, Storioni Trio
String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 111: III. Un poco AllegrettoJohannes Brahms, WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne Chamber Players
Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25 (Orch. By A. Schoenberg): II. Intermezzo - Allegro ma non troppoJohannes Brahms, Marc Albrecht, Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra
String Sextet No. 1 in B-Flat Major, Op. 18: III. Scherzo. Allegro moltoJohannes Brahms, WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne Chamber Players
Ein deutsches Requiem, Op. 45: IV. Wie lieblich sind deine WohnungenJohannes Brahms, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Marek Janowski, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
Tragic Overture in D Minor, Op. 81Johannes Brahms, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Herbert Blomstedt
Variations on a theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Anthony Variations": Thema, "Chorale St. Antoni". AndanteJohannes Brahms, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Marek Janowski
Alto Rhapsody, Op. 53Johannes Brahms, Hans Vonk, Netherlands Radio Symphony Orchestra, Netherlands Radio Choir, Yvonn Naef
21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1 (Version for Orchestra): No. 1 in G Minor. Allegro moltoJohannes Brahms, Marek Janowski, Pittsburg Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68: III. Un poco allegretto e graziosoJohannes Brahms, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Herbert Blomstedt
Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90: III. Poco allegrettoJohannes Brahms, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Marek Janowski, Pittsburg Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98: I. Allegro non troppoJohannes Brahms, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Marek Janowski, Pittsburg Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73: IV. Allegro con spiritoJohannes Brahms, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Herbert Blomstedt