Search - Johannes Brahms, Josef Krips, RCA Victor Orchestra :: Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 38

Krips and Rubinstein -- in complete control

hjonkers | 04/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Arthur Rubinstein plays the Concerto here with incredible precision and passion. The "message" of the Concerto is clearly communicated. The horn and piano commence with an understated grandeur -- and one can tell that the musical journey will be exciting from the beginning. Compared to Cliburn's less-polished work with Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony, this "Brahms 2nd" is a better rendition on balance.The piece is both regal and warm; it is also thunderous and exciting in turns. A highlight is the soft and smooth cello solo in the slow movement.I have no complaints about the quality of sound, and the price is not bad, either.Has Hank Drake heard this recording?"

Spontaneous and exhilarating Brahms

hjonkers | The Netherlands | 04/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rubinstein's performance here isn't as well thought-out as others' are. Yet, he only benefits from that. Rubinstein's playing is of a tremendous spontaneity, in a way I hadn't heard before in the Brahms B flat concerto. There's never a lack of fire: for example, he plays the `marcato' sequences in the first movement with more panache than most others, and the last movement sounds like it runs on Spanish pepper. Even then, there's never a lack of charm and grace, both elements that are so characteristic of Rubinstein's playing in general. He plays the staccato notes after 3'38 in the first movement almost like dancing steps! Krips and the RCA Symphony are fine (but not outstanding) companions and they join Rubinstein in his wild ride. It's a very impressive performance that I definitely count among my favourites. The playing of the fillers is more aristocratic: less force and more poetry. But it works very well for me, especially in the Rhapsody which is one of the best examples of the `autumnal sadness' in many of Brahms' compositions. Rubinstein certainly feels this atmosphere well. Both Rubinstein and Brahms fans should definitely not miss this great disc."

There are better options for the Brahms second

jsa | San Diego, CA United States | 07/18/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Artur Rubinstein recorded the Brahms b flat concerto six times of which this 1958 run-through with Josef Krips was the third. Although this recording was probably a big seller in its time, given that it was an early stereo release & bore Rubinstein's name, an inconsistent first movement overshadows what is an otherwise very good performance. Rubinstein speeds up here & there for no apparent reason other than possibly for effect, & there are a number of places where details are blurred, not by sloppy fingers but by the pace that he sets. This is a shame because the other three movements are prime Rubinstein: the second movement has an epic sweep with an especially effective finale & the gorgeous third movement is Rubinstein at his best. The fourth movement proves to be a rousing conclusion to a gargantuan work.



Those looking for Brahms Second alternatives should investigate two great Arrau recordings (both live): one with Alexander Gibson on BBC Legends, & the other with Igor Markevitch on INA. The recording with Gibson dates from 1963 (decent mono sound) & Arrau is just incredible, delivering weight, authority & technical brilliance in abundance. The recording with Markevitch was made in 1976 (in better stereo sound) & it too has a massiveness that is unforgettable.



That Rubinstein was a wonderful Brahmsian is demonstrated by the two intermezzi & op. 79 rhapsody that are tacked on to this disc. These 1970 recordings came from a beautiful RCA lp called "The Brahms I Love," which included the four ballades as well as a couple other intermezzi. It was a truly distinguished record & RCA should release it just as it was originally conceived instead of scattering bits & pieces as filler material on other cds."