Search - Johannes Brahms :: Brahms: Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 2 [Germany]

Lush, old-fashioned and very enjoyable

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 04/23/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In the age of Argerich, who brings tightrope-walker tension to chamber music, I doubt that anyone plays the Brahms piano trios with the kind of mellow lushness heard here. Katchen's conception of Brahms was large-scaled but smooth, warm without much psychological struggle. Suk was a honey-toned violinist, and although Starker was the modernist among the three, what's notable here is how perfectly in unison he is with Suk (and blissfully in tune). Decca puts the piano in the middle and the string players close up in their own channels left and right. The result is wide-screen and artificial, of course, since it makes the cello sound as loud as the piano. but the sonic effect is quite luscious.



I've saved my remarks about te interpretations for last. The Brahms trios have attracted great collaborations, and I wouldn't place this one above, say, Istomin-Stern-Rose although it runs ahead of the Beaux Art Trio, for sheer beauty of tone if nothing else. The shortcoming here is a tendency toward cautiousness; these are middle-of-the-road readings that don't capture Brahms' deepest passions. He is placed in the sun too often. But the first two trios aren't sturm and drang works. If you want large-scale performances caught in gorgeous sound, here you go."

One of the Classics of the Gramophone

William G. Kempster | 09/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I only write this review because the one other online so badly misses the point. This is Brahms as it should be - romantic and maleable. The playing is beyond compare and this is one of the greatest chamber music recordings I have ever heard. As someone who normally goes for more modern recordings, this is the exception that proves the rule at there is no dogmatic 'right' way to do things. Big-hearted playing from all, Katchen possibly the star (along with Brahms). No other recording of the Op. 8 (in particular) I have ever heard gets even close."

Overwhelmingly Beautiful

jerel zoltick | 03/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I find the Brahms trios some of the greatest romantic chamber pieces ever written. This version is beyond compare. I have all the major versions of the first 2 trios and this one is the greatest. It is a little slower, more moving and more beautifully played than all the others. Starker, Suk and Katchen are amazing. I treasure this version.



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