Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Johannes Brahms with "Brahms: Famous Pieces," a meticulously curated collection of his most beloved works. Released on December 3, 2021, this album spans a rich tapestry of genres, including classical, chamber music, and orchestral masterpieces, all presented under the prestigious Pentatone label. With a duration of over two hours, this album offers a comprehensive journey through Brahms' musical genius.
The album features a diverse array of compositions, from the intimate and expressive Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 108, to the grand and majestic Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68. Highlights include the enchanting Clarinet Sonata in F Minor, Op. 120 No. 1, arranged by Luciano Berio, and the lively 21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1, which remain some of Brahms' most popular works. The album also showcases the profound depth of Brahms' choral writing with selections from "Ein deutsches Requiem, Op. 45" and the Alto Rhapsody, Op. 53, performed by the renowned Monteverdi Choir and Concertgebouw Orchestra under the direction of John Eliot Gardiner.
"Brahms: Famous Pieces" is a testament to the enduring appeal of Johannes Brahms' music, offering a blend of familiar favorites and lesser-known gems. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to Brahms' works, this album promises a rewarding listening experience. The performances are brought to life by some of the world's finest musicians, including Arabella Steinbacher, Robert Kulek, Christian Gerhaher, and Gerold Huber, ensuring an authentic and captivating interpretation of Brahms' compositions.
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
Johannes Brahms, born in Hamburg in 1833, stands as one of the titans of classical music, renowned for his profound contributions to the Romantic era. A virtuoso pianist and conductor, Brahms' compositions span symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and choral works, each marked by his distinctive rhythmic vitality and expressive contrapuntal textures. His music, deeply rooted in the traditions of Bach, Beethoven, and Schumann, showcases a masterful blend of historical techniques and innovative dissonance. Brahms' personal life, including his deep friendship with Robert and Clara Schumann, adds a rich layer to his legacy. His works, such as the Academic Festival Overture and the German Requiem, continue to captivate audiences worldwide, cementing his place as one of the most revered composers in the history of music.
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Johannes Brahms
