Search - Joshua Pierce :: Brahms: Piano Concerto 1 / R. Strauss: Burleske in D minor

Brahms in the key of Ah!

Eris | Chicago, IL USAChicago, IL USA | 10/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The 'boxing glove' Review peaked my curiosity about this recording to the extent that I went out and bought the recording as I the wanted to hear what Strauss and Brahms sounded like in the tempo of pugilisimo... I have to say, there was not a hint of playing with gloves on that the other reviewer spoke of. (I recommend that this fellow purchase quality headphones and perhaps a new sound system if the sound reproduction is that poor.JBL makes really good reference speakers, they're in my studio, and AKG or Audio-Technica both make excellent headphones.) I also bought the recording he did with Dorothy Jonas of the Poulenc Concerto in D minor on the Kleos label and the Brahms/Liszt. One of the things I like about Joshua Pierce's playing is his incredible flexibility at the keyboard - the ease of his sound, clear tones, utterly convincing ideas of interpretation, overflowing passion - as in his playing of the Brahms First (It is a 'live' performance by the way) and the refreshing scherzo qualities in the Strauss Burlesque. All this was quite apparent to my ears. In fact, I have since gone out and purchased other recordings by Mr. Pierce, so incredible is his playing. I looked through his catalogue here on amazon.com, and am astonished at the breadth of his repertoire. A fan is born!On a side note, I have heard through my peers in the Industry that there may be a release of the Brahms 2nd in the near future."