Search - Brahms: Piano Concertos 1-2 on DVD

Wonderful Brahms by Bernstein and Zimerman

Antonia Brentano | Leiden, The Netherlands | 05/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These are wonderful, inspired renditions of both piano concertos of Brahms. The playing of Zimerman is of an incredible level (bearing in mind it is a live recording...) His playing is, as always, crystal-clear, with a beautiful sound. This collaboration between Leonard Bernstein and Krystian Zimerman has resulted in a DVD you should not be without!"

Oldster and Youngster

Melvin G. Goldzband | 10/24/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These are beautifully modulated and well-thought out, fairly romantic versions of these great concertos which can easily assimilate more than one point of view as to interpretation. Bernstein seems exceptionaly well-behaved and less dramatic than usual, seemingly simply enjoying the hell out of the music. Zimerman is simply wonderful."

Slightly flawed, but still very beautiful performances

gpk | Forest Grove, OR, United States | 05/29/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These recordings were filmed (and subsequently cut and edited) during a series of concerts given in Vienna 1983/4 by the conductor and soloist with the Wiener Philharmoniker. Humphrey Burton's habitually masterful direction now lingers a bit too often on the soloist's hands, but also pays homage to the conductor and orchestral musicians, once more highlighting the truly special relationship Bernstein had with this great orchestra. Krystian Zimerman plays very well, technically brilliant, but also introspective and quite in tune with Brahms' idiom, and the conductor is visibly sensitive to the soloist. It is, however, obvious that Bernstein is physically unwell and his grip on the orchestral proceedings not as firm as usual, especially as it was during his celebrated Vienna recordings a decade earlier. Brahms' piano concertos are somewhat episodic, perhaps even meandering, in their conception, and a tight hand at the helm is imperative throughout to provide the necessary cohesion for any performance. Alas, there are brief passages in both concertos when Bernstein's control appears to slip and the music loses some momentum. Regardless, these are quite beautiful performances and, at the same time, important documents of a bygone era in musical history. The audience's thunderous applause speaks for itself."

Something missing

C. Chiang | USA | 12/01/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The second concerto is good.



The first concerto is too reserved. As usual, Bernstein delivered a certain level of power and dynamics. Zimerman, on the other hand, was way too reserved in terms of colors of tone and, particularly, power. My 10-year old son and I found the Rubinstein version (also on DVD) is more satisfactory.



BTW, Zimerman's recital DVD was wonderful; go get that one."