Search - Johannes Brahms, Ursula Oppens :: Brahms: Sonata in Fm No1, Op120/1; Scherzo in Cm WoO2

Johannes Brahms, Ursula Oppens
Brahms: Sonata in Fm No1, Op120/1; Scherzo in Cm WoO2
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
1. Scherzo From F.A.E. Son
2. Son in f Op.120, No.1: I. Allegro Appassionato
3. Son in f Op.120, No.1: II. Andante Un Poco Adagio
4. Son in f Op.120, No.1: III. Allegretto Grazioso
5. Son in f Op.120, No.1: IV. Vivace
6. Son in E-flat Op.120, No.2: I. Allegro Amabile
7. Son in E-flat Op.120, No.2: II. Allegro Appassionato
8. Son in E-flat Op.120, No.2: III. Andante Con Moto - Allegro

CD Details

All Artists: Johannes Brahms, Ursula Oppens
Title: Brahms: Sonata in Fm No1, Op120/1; Scherzo in Cm WoO2
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Bridge
Release Date: 9/11/1993
Genre: Classical
Styles: Chamber Music, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830), Instruments, Reeds & Winds, Strings
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 090404902123

Synopsis

Amazon.com

Sometimes a disc comes along that is so good it overwhelms your prejudices. I prefer these sonatas on the clarinet, as Brahms originally conceived them (though he did the adaptation for viola himself). And I like more than 51:27 of music on my CDs. But Barbara Westphal is a superb violist. She plays with tremendous energy and flair, and she gets the sound I love from a viola: woody, musky, like a great chanteuse. Ursula Oppens, who has been redirecting her career towards mainstream repertory, proves to be a great Brahms player. She also plays with great energy but never overwhelms her partner. Forget the play-time; this is a great recording. --Leslie Gerber

CD Reviews

Brahms Sonatas Beautifully Played

C. Noble | Portland, OR USA | 12/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are many sets of the Brahms Clarinet/Viola sonatas available out there right now, but this recording by Barbara Westphal and Ursula Oppens is a real sleeper hit. The playing is not in the least bit reticent, with Westphal displaying a full, rich sound, more in the tenore color than the alto school favored by Primrose. I especially enjoyed the partnership with Ursuala Oppens, who is a formidable pianist who is normally found in new music circles. She applies her fierce intellect to these often problematic piano parts (these are truly duo sonatas, both instruments play equal roles) and as a result, both players find much new to say in these performances. The FAE Scherzo transcription is a welcome bonus. I'd also advise afficianados of the Brahms Sonatas on Viola to seek out the Kim Kashkashian/Robert Levin set on ECM New Series, and the Veronika Hagen/Paul Gulda on Deutsche Grammophon. Happy Listening!"