Search - Johannes Brahms, Issay Alexandrovich Dobroven, Solomon Cutner :: Plays Brahms

	Johannes Brahms, Issay Alexandrovich Dobroven, Solomon Cutner Plays Brahms Genre: Classical Solomon's was an "art that conceals art." He was blessed with a transcendent technique which never called attention to itself, an aristocratic style that eschewed idiosyncrasies, and an understated approach that directly c... more » « less
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CD Details

All Artists: Johannes Brahms, Issay Alexandrovich Dobroven, Solomon Cutner
Title: Plays Brahms
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Testament UK
Release Date: 9/13/1994
Genre: Classical
Styles: Chamber Music, Forms & Genres, Concertos, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830), Modern, 20th, & 21st Century
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 749677104221

Synopsis

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Solomon's was an "art that conceals art." He was blessed with a transcendent technique which never called attention to itself, an aristocratic style that eschewed idiosyncrasies, and an understated approach that directly communicated the music's emotional weight. His performance of the massive Brahms Concerto is suffused with warmth and romanticism, yet never breaks the classical boundaries of the work. Flowing tempos keep the tension at a high level, and Solomon is superb in conveying the grandeur as well as the poetry. The Philharmonia in 1947 was a great orchestra and they contribute mightily to the excellence of this disc. Solomon's as good in the Rhapsody No. 2 and two late intermezzos that serve as welcome fillers. --Dan Davis

CD Reviews

Still the best

captain cuttle | Vancouver, Canada | 02/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've had this performance since it was issued on LP in the 1960s, and it has always ranked as one of records I'd grab first if I had 30 seconds to clear the house. No, it isn't a modern recording but the sound is more than acceptable and the ear quickly adjusts. As for the performance itself, it convinces from the first note and combines fire with poetry in exactly the right proportions. Hear the opening of the second movement for the former, the dreamy drift into the slow movement recapitulation for the latter. Above all, the intense concentration of all participants comes through and makes the work feel far shorter than its forty-odd minutes. I've heard many, not all, of the famous recordings of the past 40 years of this work. For me, Gilels runs it closest but Solomon continues to stand alone. That singing tone is unique and emerges from the limitations of 1940's technology with colours intact. Incidentally, don't be put off by the relative obscurity of the conductor. He's in charge of the Philharmonia at its peak and does the orchestra full justice. Interplay between Solomon and the various soloists in the andante, particularly cellist Haydn Rogerson, is magical. Coordination between conductor and soloist throughout is exemplary. I'm not a historical recordings freak. For me, a performance has to be absolutely outstanding to compensate for the sonic shortcomings of the 78 era. This one is."

Brahms 2

roger routledge | Wellington, New Zealand | 07/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard this work played by Bachaus with Schuricht the VPO. Other recordings at this level are by Richter and Pollini. But the most convincing of all is Solomon's made in 1948. Of course the sound is nothing like more recent recordings but the performance remain unequalled - ranking with Solomon's Beethoven's 3rd with Boult and his Hammeklavier."