Search - R. Capucon :: Brahms: Piano Quartets 1-3

R. Capucon
Brahms: Piano Quartets 1-3
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
1. Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25: I. Allegro
2. Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25: II. Intermezzo. Allegro ma non troppo - Trio: Animato
3. Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25: III. Andante con moto
4. Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25: IV. Rondo alla Zingarese. Presto
5. Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor ('Werther'), Op. 60: I. Allegro non troppo
6. Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor ('Werther'), Op. 60: II. Scherzo. Allegro
7. Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor ('Werther'), Op. 60: III. Andante
8. Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor ('Werther'), Op. 60: IV. Finale. Allegro comodo
Track Listings (4) - Disc #2
1. Piano Quartet No. 2 in A major, Op. 26: I. Allegro non troppo
2. Piano Quartet No. 2 in A major, Op. 26: II. Poco adagio
3. Piano Quartet No. 2 in A major, Op. 26: III. Scherzo. Poco allegro - Trio
4. Piano Quartet No. 2 in A major, Op. 26: IV. Finale. Allegro

CD Details

All Artists: R. Capucon
Title: Brahms: Piano Quartets 1-3
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Virgin Classics
Original Release Date: 1/1/2008
Re-Release Date: 10/28/2008
Genre: Classical
Styles: Chamber Music, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830)
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 400000012179, 5099951931025

Synopsis

Album Description

Following their Autumn 2007 release of Brahms's Double Concerto and Clarinet Quintet, Renaud and Gautier Capuçon further their plan to record the composer's complete solo and chamber works for Virgin Classics. After Renaud's collaboration with Nicholas Angelich for the violin sonatas, later joined by Gautier for the piano trios, French violist Gérard Caussé joined them in Lugano last December to record Brahms's three piano quartets. According to Gramophone Magazine, the Capuçon's Brahms piano trios are "sure to kindle anyone's enthusiasm for Brahms. Warm, beautifully balanced tone stresses the composer's romantic side, as does the expansive phrasing. There's a feeling of spontaneity, too, as though each player is discovering new aspects to the music while recording it...The way they are able to strike a balance between Brahms's energetic flow of ideas, his strongly delineated structures, and his lyrical intensity is most satisfying."

CD Reviews

WONDERFUL MUSIC MAKING!!

Chicago Musician | Chicago, IL USA | 11/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must agree with the reviewer who gave this five stars. The performances are more refined and tonally sophisticated than some alternatives, but they offer richer musical rewards. When I listen with the score I see that they follow all of Brahms's indications, which leads me to disagree strongly with the reviewer who said that "Much skill is evident, most of it directed away from Brahms's original intentions." The intentions are on the page, but can be interpreted many valid ways. This Brahms playing is certainly leaner and less plummy than some, but it displays a range of emotional subtlety that is breathtaking.

The playing is exquisite and technically impeccable. The string tone is always beautiful and well integrated over a very wide range of colors and dynamics. Gautier Capuçon's cello solo in the third quartet is remarkable. Angelich's playing is extremely refined, full of subtle details and displays a huge palette of colors. The piano tone is always beautiful and singing, but occasionally I thought that Mr. Angelich could have provided more harmonic support with his left hand.

The ensemble is wonderful and the phrasing natural. The widest possible range of emotions is displayed. The finale of the G minor quartet is full of gypsy fire and the slow movements are songful and heart-warming.

I can't praise this recording highly enough. If you buy the cds you in for a musical treat!!"

Gorgeous Recording

Brian D., Hodges | Boise, ID | 10/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm afraid I have to respectfully disagree with the previous reviewer. I'm tempted to think we are listening to two different recordings. I found this recording absolutely beautiful and full of fantastic playing. I have their Brahms Piano Trio recording and love it. This is definitely a worthy successor. All of the musicians are excellent players and in my opinion infuse the music with passion and energy.

For instance, the cello solo in the Andante of the C minor Quartet is absolutely exquisite and worth the price of the disc alone. In addition, their ensemble playing, intonation and sense of phrasing is impeccable. This is music making of the highest caliber.

I think Brahms himself would've been very proud of these performances and I can't recommend this CD highly enough."

Top marks

Scaffa | Sweden | 12/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I fully agree with what is being said in the reviews by "Chicago Musician" and "Brian D., Hodges". There is plenty of great technique on display, in superb, well-balanced sound. Much emotion is expressed but no sentimentality."