Search - Brahms, Labeque Sisters :: Hungarian Dances 1-21

AIMEZ-VOUS BRAHMS?

DAVID BRYSON | Glossop Derbyshire England | 02/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the best kind of 'en famille' ensemble. When I was momentarily inclined to think that I do not normally look to France for particular insights into Brahms, whose music, even when he calls it 'Hungarian', is about as deeply and exclusively German as there has ever been, I soon recollected that Pierre Monteux considered himself first and foremost a Brahms exponent -- and what a great one he was too. Seeing eye-to-eye in the matter of interpretation can't be assumed when it comes to close family. Emil and Elena Gilels carried it off quite successfully, but I have record of Mozart's two-piano concerto played by Serkin pere & fils (aged 14) which is notable in many ways but not for unanimity of style between the soloists. The sisters Labecque play as one woman. I have heard them give the entire set of Hungarian dances in London, and this is exactly how they did them then. Their approach is a very 'rich' romantic one, with plenty of pedal as you can hear immediately from the very first number. They know exactly what effects they intend, their technical command is total, and I have real difficulty in imagining anyone who likes the pieces in the first place not enjoying this recital thoroughly, especially as the recording is excellent and well-suited to the type of playing. I know and like other versions and other styles too, but the Hungarian dances are not exactly works where I imagine many people feel that one style and one only is appropriate. This is not to deny that there can be better and worse peformances here as in most kinds of music, only to express my feeling that when they are pleasantly done I should be grateful and not fussy. As an example of how they can be done the wrong way let me point you, sadly, to Kissin's jerky and nervy accounts of several of them on his otherwise excellent recent all-Brahms disc featuring the F minor sonata.This disc is is well worth hunting for, especially if you can get it at a bargain price and even if you have another version of the pieces. If you are not yet acquainted with the players, je vous presente avec plaisir Mesdemoiselles Labecque."

Amazing pianists

miss_muffit | Rapid City, SD USA | 06/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My mom had this album on tape and I listened to it so much I am surprised the tape isn't worn out. I have been looking for this album on cd for years now. Marielle and Katia Labeque are two of the finest pianist in the world. You can hear the passion in each song they perform. I have listened to the 21 Hungarian Dances performed by other artist and symphonies, but none of them compare to this. I recommend this cd to ANYONE who loves piano music and the works of Johannes Brahms."