Jonathan Plowright, the pianist on this recording, has been described as 'one of the finest living pianists' by Gramophone magazine and has won numerous awards.
Recording & Production
This album is the fifth disc in Jonathan Plowright's complete piano music journey through Brahms's works.
Compositional Technique
The Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 1, begins with rhetorical force and virtuosity, recalling the opening of Beethoven's 'Hammerklavier' Sonata.
Critical Reception
Brahms's music, with its heavy chords and quasi-orchestral magnificence, was often met with irritation or hostility by audiences accustomed to more flamboyant styles.
Composition History
Brahms's Piano Sonata No. 1 in C major, Op. 1, was likely the piece he played for Robert and Clara Schumann at their first meeting in 1853, impressing them greatly.
Composer Biography
Johannes Brahms was both a Classic and Romantic composer, a contrapuntist, and a lyricist, making his musical style difficult to categorize.
Composition History
The Op. 9 Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann were written as a haunting tribute to Robert Schumann's tragedy and his increasing mental instability.
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Brahms: Piano Sonata, Op.1 & Intermezzi, Op. 117 & Piano Pieces, Op. 119
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