Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Johannes Brahms with "Wiegenlied" & Other Brahms Masterpieces, a meticulously crafted collection set to release on April 1, 2025, under the prestigious Sony Classical label. This album is a comprehensive journey through Brahms' virtuosity, spanning classical piano, chamber music, and orchestral works, all encapsulated in a captivating 2 hour and 25 minute experience.
The album opens with the soothing lullaby "Wiegenlied, Op. 49, No. 4," a tender piece that sets the tone for the diverse range of emotions and styles that follow. Brahms' mastery of form and expression is evident in the "Sechs Klavierstücke, Op. 118: II. Intermezzo in A Major," a delicate and introspective piano piece that showcases his ability to convey deep sentiment through music.
The "21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1" series offers a lively and rhythmic exploration of folk influences, with tracks like "No. 17 in F-Sharp Minor" and "No. 18 in D Major" highlighting Brahms' skill in blending traditional melodies with classical structure. The "Double Concerto in A Minor, Op. 102" for Violin, Cello, and Orchestra is a grand display of Brahms' orchestral prowess, with the "II. Andante" movement providing a serene and reflective interlude.
A significant portion of the album is dedicated to Brahms' variations, including the intricate "Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24" and the playful "Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a." These works demonstrate Brahms' technical brilliance and his ability to transform a simple theme into a complex and engaging musical narrative.
The album concludes with Brahms' Piano Concertos, featuring the dramatic "Piano Concerto No.1 in D Minor, Op. 15" and the spirited "Piano Concerto No.2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 83." These concertos are a testament to Brahms' ability to combine orchestral and soloistic elements into a cohesive and powerful musical experience.
"Wiegenlied" & Other Brahms Masterpieces is not just a collection of Brahms' greatest works; it is a celebration of his enduring legacy and his unparalleled contribution to the world of classical music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to Brahms' music, this album offers a rich and rewarding exploration of one of the most influential composers in history.
(P) 2025 Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
Wiegenlied, Op. 49, No. 4 (Arr. for Cello and Piano) [Brahms Lullaby]Johannes Brahms, Yo-Yo Ma, Kathryn Stott
Sechs Klavierstücke, Op. 118: II. Intermezzo in A MajorJohannes Brahms, Arcadi Volodos
21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 17 in F-Sharp Minor. Andantino - VivaceJohannes Brahms, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 18 in D Major. Molto vivaceJohannes Brahms, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 19 in B Minor. AllegrettoJohannes Brahms, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 20 in E Minor. Poco Allegretto - VivaceJohannes Brahms, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 21 in E Minor. VivaceJohannes Brahms, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Double Concerto in A Minor, Op. 102 for Violin, Cello and Orchestra: II. AndanteJohannes Brahms, Joshua Bell, Steven Isserlis, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Jeremy Denk
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: AriaJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation I: (Più vivo)Johannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation II: AnimatoJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation III: DolceJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation IV: RisolutoJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation V: EspressivoJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation VI: Sempre legatoJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation VII: Con vivacitàJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation VIII: (Con vivacità)Johannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation IX: Poco sostenutoJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation X: EnergicoJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XI: DolceJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XII: SoaveJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XIII: Largamente, ma non troppoJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XIV: ScioltoJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XV: (Sciolto)Johannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XVI: Piano ma marcatoJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XVII: Più mossoJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XVIII: GraziosoJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XIX: Leggiero e vivaceJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XX: (Andante)Johannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XXI: DolceJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XXII: (Alla musette)Johannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XXIII: Vivace e staccatoJohannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XXIV: (Vivace)Johannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Variation XXV: (Vivace)Johannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24: Fugue (Moderato)Johannes Brahms, Van Cliburn
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a: Thema, Chorale St. Antoni - AndanteJohannes Brahms, Sir Colin Davis, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a: Variation I - Poco più animatoJohannes Brahms, Sir Colin Davis, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a: Variation II - Più vivaceJohannes Brahms, Sir Colin Davis, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a: Varitaion III - Con motoJohannes Brahms, Sir Colin Davis, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a: Variation IV - Andante con motoJohannes Brahms, Sir Colin Davis, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a: Variation V - VivaceJohannes Brahms, Sir Colin Davis, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a: Variation VI - VivaceJohannes Brahms, Sir Colin Davis, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a: Variation VII - GraziosoJohannes Brahms, Sir Colin Davis, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a: Variation VIII - Presto non troppoJohannes Brahms, Sir Colin Davis, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a: Finale - AndanteJohannes Brahms, Sir Colin Davis, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Piano Concerto No.1 in D Minor, Op. 15: I. MaestosoJohannes Brahms, Igor Levit, Christian Thielemann, Wiener Philharmoniker
Piano Concerto No.1 in D Minor, Op. 15: II. AdagioJohannes Brahms, Igor Levit, Christian Thielemann, Wiener Philharmoniker
Piano Concerto No.1 in D Minor, Op. 15: III. Rondo. Allegro non troppoJohannes Brahms, Igor Levit, Christian Thielemann, Wiener Philharmoniker
Piano Concerto No.2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 83: I. Allegro non troppoJohannes Brahms, Igor Levit, Christian Thielemann, Wiener Philharmoniker
Piano Concerto No.2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 83: II. Allegro appassionatoJohannes Brahms, Igor Levit, Christian Thielemann, Wiener Philharmoniker