BaL 16.03.19 - Brahms: Piano Concerto no. 2 in B flat

[ucanseetheend]

So far Service in rather annoying mode.

actually the concerto first movement is a mess. Ive always hated it. Incoherent and rather a frustrating piece.

[pastoralguy]

actually the concerto first movement is a mess. Ive always hated it. Incoherent and rather a frustrating piece.

Possibly my favourite orchestral work to play. Marvellous music!

I did love the Schnabel version!

[Barbirollians]

So far he seems to be favouring the penny plain Buchbinder , the rather indulgent Zimerman ( a recording which I love but it is not a BAL choice for me ) Pollini/Abbado and this Berezovsky account.

[Bryn]

I'm finding this BaL rather satisfying. Not only does Service point Gilels enthusiasts away from Jochum and towards Reiner (I'll happily put up with the 'honky-tonk' piano), but he does not let the fame of performers get in the way of withering criticim of their departures from the score. I would not like to guess who will come out on top but I am quite likely to chase it up.

[MickyD]

This BAL is an absolute disgrace.
Tom Service all about Tom Service, wordy, me-me-me notice me being clever with words.....oh, yes, the Brahms? Was that what I was in this BAL for?

Yes, it is a v.diff job - huge number of recordings, so ......get ON with it......and I am still listening as I write. All Service and less Brahms.

What you might call Self Service.

[Goon525]

Anyone notice what a DG fest this concerto is? I think over half of the illustrated versions have been on DG....and he’s not even playing the Gilels.

[Bryn]

Anyone notice what a DG fest this concerto is? I think over half of the illustrated versions have been on DG....and he’s not even playing the Gilels.

But the Gilels is on RCA/Sony. The later DG recording was dismissed due to Jochum's contribution.

[Pulcinella]

I'm finding this BaL rather satisfying. Not only does Service point Gilels enthusiasts away from Jochum and towards Reiner (I'll happily put up with the 'honky-tonk' piano), but he does not let the fame of performers to get in the way of withering criticim of their departures from the score. I would not like to guess who will come out on top but I am quite likely to chase it up.

I may well be tempted too.
I've already downloaded the Zimerman/Bernstein into 'My Sonos'!

PS: Guessed correctly from Service's hints along the way.
Still not giving up the Serkin/Szell though!

[Goon525]

But the Gilels is on RCA/Sony. The later DG recording was dismissed due to Jochum's contribution.

Though he’s not playing that either.

[Ein Heldenleben]

Looks like Zimmerman is the favoured son. And yet he's another let 's -play -the opening legato merchant - if his recap is anything to go by. Good performance though.

My word what a pianist Fischer was .

Finally Stephen K with Davis my favoured recording ...

[Goon525]

.....and the winner is on....DG. They own this concerto!

[Bryn]

See what you think:

You can drag through to the second concerto at 56'10".

[BBMmk2]

.....and the winner is on....DG. They own this concerto!

They do! I don’t have this one but I remain loyal to the ones I have.

[ucanseetheend]

this is another performance not the DG recording?

[Mal]

Service is obviously a thrill seeker, no stopping and smelling the roses for him. He's very unfair about Gilels/Jochum, he dismisses it with a wave of hand and an insult, but (given great praise from many critics and listeners) he shouldn't do that. For instance, the rough guide says, about Gilels/Jochum, "deeply humane performance... penetrates the music and penetrates it from within: tender, fervent, striking for its refined judgement, and glowing with a majestic poise." I think Service should take more account of those who prefer a more relaxed Brahms.