Idil Biret Recordings

Hello,

NAXOS has a CD set of Brahms' piano works by pianist Idil Biret. I'm wondering if people in this group has any reviews/opinions/criticisms of these recordings.

E.g. Brahms Piano sonata 1, 2, 3; Scherzo op.4, Some intermezzos etc etc.

How does the (1) playing and (2) recording compare with those of bigger labels?

Before you buy.

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This is all entirely in your own mind. Naxos is by now widely recognized as among the best classical labels in existence. Many, many of their excellent recordings of out-of-the-way repertoire is unbeatable at any price.

I don't know her Brahms recordings, but I just wanted to say that I own and cherish her Chopin piano works, also on Naxos (double CD). Truly wonderful stuff - especially the slow movements of the two concerti.

performance

Simon; Thanks for remembering the Gina Bachauer. I saw her play the Brahms cto 2 in Boston

Biret's Brahms waltzes are first-class and the late pieces ( op 116,117 etc ) as well.

Thijs Pierre Werner heeft geschreven in bericht ...

I must rise from my bed of pain to agree with Even. Naxos is now established as a label up there with the best. As to Biret , I am a long term supporter. Her Chopin was great, the Rachmaninov even better and the Brahms unique. I would not claim that she is the best available in every work, but for an overview there is no real competition. The set also includes many delightful items not otherwise available. I had not been a great fan of Brahms piano music before this set but now I play it far more often. John Carter Barsoom

FWIW, a friend of mine once referred to Gina Bachauer as 'Auntie Muscles', a term which, when it eventually reached her ears, evidently amused her greatly.

Agreed fully. Only thanks to Naxos can I enjoy a great variety of superb early music, and marvellous 20th century works, very well recorded at a bargain price, including some superb Bruckner too.

In fact they probably ARE already the biggest label for classical music, in all it's variety and scope, historical issues, and jazz also. For their early music series alone, I am deeply indebted to them. I am hoping they continue with this early music series, as well as bringing to us more lesser known (but should be better known) works of this 20th century (now almost gone).

Perhaps Cosi didn't really mean or realise what she/he said, but I have to make my protest too, and I can imagine poor John Carter rising from his bed like a Phoenix inspired.

As for Brahm's piano music, like much of LvB's, I hardly ever listen to it much, but I know that a pianist, such as Idil Biret, who can gain general accolades for recording Boulez's sonatas, can't be any slouch. As for her Brahm's, I simply don't know I'm afraid. Not really my cup of tea.

Try getting Banchieri's Il Zabaione musicale, Festino nella sera ...., for a Naxos price, with includes a 40 page booklet of the complete librettos with translations of both works, on any other label !!! Fantastic music too.

Regards,

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Ray, Sydney

Bachauer fans may not have noticed her performance of the Grieg concerto included on the BBC Magazine cover disc, Vol VI no 12: 'Last Night of the Proms', Malcolm Sargent, BBCSO, 1961. I happened to play most of this CD through again last week and much enjoyed the concerto performance, which bears out the comments made here!

Most would rather say nothing. A few go a bit farther.

Regards

Before you buy.