Brahms - 4 Klavierstucke Op119 [Angelich]
In the last couple of months, Brahms's solo piano music has featured highly in my Blog, whether by Angelich, Arrau, Grimaud, or Dalberto, there just seems to be a lot of it at the moment, and my love of Brahms is increasing as a result, incidentally Murray Perahia has a new disc out, i really need to get this, it's probably the most desirable disc to have appeared all year, this is a must buy, Angelich appeared in my Blog last month [22nd October 2010], playing the 3 Intermezzi Op117, now it's the turn of these four later pieces.
Again i feel to point out that this is a wonderful two disc set, recorded in a lovely soundworld, and the visuals of this disc are fantastic, i can feel that over the years this set will develop into a treasured acquisition.
I really enjoyed the second Klavierstucke of this set, it starts with a nice bouncy rhythm, quite a happy tune, despite being in the minor, but it's also a hesitant piece, deliciously being hesitating and ambiguous in its speed, there's a lovely central section [1:55-3:44], very much like yesterdays Brahms piece, Brahms certainly likes these oases of calm and beauty, quite the opposite of Chopin's Nocturnes, that have fiery or angry middle sections, the opening returns right after [3:44+], like a welcome acquaintance, and right at the end there's a hazy nostalgia of the opening idea [5:19-5:55], presented as a vaguely remembered idea, like a forgetful old man, again a very beautiful piece from Brahms.
Here's Irena Koblar playing the Op119/2 Klavierstucke on YouTube.
