Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical piano with Julius Katchen's captivating album, "Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1." Released on November 1, 2011, under the ICA Classics label, this album is a masterful blend of Brahms's iconic compositions, showcasing Katchen's unparalleled artistry and deep understanding of the classical repertoire.

The album opens with Brahms's monumental Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15, a work that demands both technical prowess and emotional depth. Katchen's performance is nothing short of breathtaking, as he navigates the intricate layers of the concerto with precision and passion. The three movements—Maestoso, Adagio, and Rondo. Allegro non troppo—are each rendered with a unique sensitivity, highlighting the concerto's dramatic contrasts and lyrical beauty.

Beyond the concerto, the album offers a rich selection of Brahms's solo piano works. The Ballade No. 3 in A-Flat Major, Op. 47, is a tour de force of romantic expression, while the Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S. 514, adds a touch of whimsy and virtuosity. The inclusion of Waldszenen, Op. 82: No. 7, Vogel als Prophet, and Iberia: VI. Triana, provides a delightful contrast, showcasing Katchen's versatility and the breadth of his musical repertoire.

The album also features a fascinating discussion between Julius Katchen and John Amis, where they delve into the intricacies of Mozart's Concerto K. 466 and Brahms's Concerto No. 1. This insightful conversation adds a layer of intellectual depth to the listening experience, offering listeners a glimpse into the mind of a true master.

With a duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, this album is a perfect companion for those seeking to explore the depths of classical piano music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Julius Katchen's "Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1" promises an unforgettable journey through some of the most beloved works in the classical canon.

1 november 2011

2011 International Classical Artists Ltd

2011 BBC Worldwide Limited, under license to International Classical Artists Ltd.

Julius Katchen, the American concert pianist, was renowned for his powerful and daring interpretations, particularly of Johannes Brahms' solo piano works. Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, Katchen began his musical journey as a child prodigy, debuting at the age of 10 and performing with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy just a year later. His career flourished as he toured Europe and settled in Paris, becoming a celebrated figure in the classical music world.

Katchen's discography is extensive and diverse, encompassing works by Liszt, Rachmaninov, and Brahms, among others. His recordings of Brahms' piano sonatas and variations are considered benchmarks, showcasing his technical prowess and musical insight. Beyond his solo work, Katchen also collaborated with notable musicians such as Josef Suk and János Starker, further enriching his musical legacy. Despite his tragic early death at the age of 42, Katchen's contributions to the piano repertoire continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

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Tracks

More albums by Julius Katchen

Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Op. 8 / Piano Trio No. 3 in C minor, Op. 101: Remastered 2025

Trio in G major for Piano, Violin and Cello. op. 87 / Sonata No. 2 in F major for Piano, and Cello. op. 99: Remastered 2025

Music that warms

"Katchen Plays": Chopin & Brahms

A Collection of Beethoven

Dohnányi & Rachmaninoff: Variationen Über Ein Kinderlied, OP. 25 - Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, OP. 43

Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 1; Violin Sonata No. 2; Violin Sonata No. 3

Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43 - Dohnányi: Variations on a Nursery Tune, Op. 25

Liszt: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 – Schubert: Fantasie in C Major, Op. 15, D. 760

Beethoven: Diabelli Variations

Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini: Dohnanyi: Variations on a Nursery Tune

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto, No. 2, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Grieg & Schumann: Piano Concertos

Dohnanyi: Variations on a Nursery Song / Rachmaninoff: Suite, No. 2 / Arensky: Suite, No. 1

Beethoven: Piano Concerto, No. 3 & Rondo for Piano and Orchestra

Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini / Dohnányi: Variations on a Nursery Song

Brahms: Hungarian Dances; Variations on a Theme by Paganini

Julius Katchen, Vol. 1: Bach & Beethoven

Beethoven: Diabelli Variations; 6 Bagatelles

Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5 & Rondo, WoO 6

Masterpieces for Piano Left Hand

Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture, Capriccio italien & Slavonic March - Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2

Bartók: Piano Concerto No. 3 in E Major, Sz. 119 & Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26

Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1, Samson François vs. Julius Katchen

Julius Katchen & London Philharmonic Orchestra: Liszt Piano Concerto Nos. 1-2

Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20, K. 466 Julius Katchen vs. Robert Casadesus

Julius Katchen Plays Liszt, Brahms, Beethoven, Schumann and Chopin

Children's Classics

Prokofiev: Concerto No.3 in C major - Bartok: Concerto No. 3

Chill With Tchaikovsky

Bartok: Piano Concerto No.3 / Ravel: Piano Concerto in G major

Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini - Dohnányi: Variations on a Nursery Tune

Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 in B Flat Minor, Op. 23

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18

Sergei Prokofjeff: Masters of Music, Vol. 55

Béla Bartók: Masters of Music, Vol. 5

Bela Bartók

Beethoven: The Piano Concertos etc

Julius Katchen: Decca Recordings 1949-1968

Brahms: Handel Variations; Paganini Variations / Schumann: Etudes Symphoniques

Gerswhin: Orchestral Works

Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf/Saint-Saens: Carnival of the Animals