Brahms' Timeless Masterpieces Shine in Levit and Thielemann's Captivating Collaboration

In a captivating new three-CD set, pianist Igor Levit and the Wiener Philharmoniker, conducted by Christian Thielemann, deliver a spellbinding interpretation of Johannes Brahms' piano concertos and late piano works. The recordings, captured in the historic Vienna Musikverein, exude a warm, vinyl-like quality that perfectly complements the emotional depth and technical brilliance of the performances.

Unlocking the Impassioned Heart of Brahms' Genius

Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1: A Tempestuous Journey of the Soul

The opening movement of Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1 is a testament to the composer's boundless creativity and emotional intensity. Levit's performance, with Thielemann's sensitive orchestral accompaniment, captures the work's inherent chaos and turbulence, yet never loses sight of the underlying beauty and subtlety. The pianist's delicate touch in the first entrance sets the tone for a performance that prioritizes expressivity over pure technical display. As the movement unfolds, the music flows with a peripatetic quality, as if Brahms is pouring his very heart and soul into the score. Exquisite passages of lyricism and introspection are juxtaposed with bursts of virtuosic brilliance, creating a captivating emotional rollercoaster. Levit's interpretation acknowledges the work's Romantic spirit, evoking the fecund creativity that made Brahms a singular talent.The Adagio second movement is a masterclass in Levit's ability to inhabit the music's subtleties. The pianist's playing is imbued with a wandering, lullaby-like quality, as he and the orchestra weave a potent perfume of sound. The finale, while less overtly emotional than the first movement, is no less dazzling, with Levit and the Wiener Philharmoniker diving headlong into the flurry of drama and invention that characterizes Brahms' writing.

Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2: A Triumph of Expressive Clarity

In the Piano Concerto No. 2, the warm, enveloping sound of the previous work gives way to a brighter, more transparent quality, allowing the music's inherent clarity to shine. Levit's expressive mastery is on full display, particularly in the stirring, cinematic first movement, where he and the orchestra deliver a triumphant account. The Allegro Appassionato that follows is a gargantuan minuet, and Levit navigates its emotional complexities with a deft touch, letting the meaning flow naturally from the score.The slow movement is a true highlight, showcasing the seamless synchrony between pianist and conductor. The quietude of the softest passages draws the listener in, and the interplay between Levit and the orchestra, especially the cello, is deeply moving. The finale, with its scampering strains and sunny apotheosis, is a joyous celebration, yet Levit and Thielemann never lose sight of the work's underlying dark magic.

Brahms' Late Piano Works: A Masterclass in Intimacy and Restraint

Disc 3 of this set features Levit's captivating interpretations of Brahms' late piano works, including the Opus 116-119 collections. These pieces, designated by the composer as "Intermezzi," are characterized by their abstraction from traditional classical forms, and Levit's performances are defined by a soft-spoken, introspective quality.Highlights include the unusually slow and quiet treatment of the Opus 116 No. 2 Intermezzo, which invites the listener to lean in and absorb the music's gentle spirit. Levit's approach to the more impassioned passages, such as the Opus 118 No. 1, is marked by a deliberate clarity that never robs the music of its suspense or subtle menace. In the much-loved Opus 118 No. 2 Intermezzo, the pianist's light touch leaves ample room for dynamic range, allowing the work's exceptional beauty to shine.Throughout the late piano works, Levit's smooth, well-considered dynamics and sparse use of the sustain pedal create a sense of glassy delicacy, interrupted by staccato explosions and edgy, impassioned outbursts. The pianist's interpretative imagination and technical mastery are on full display, as he guides the listener through these abstract, yet deeply expressive, musical landscapes.

A Timeless Collaboration: Levit and Thielemann Bring Brahms to Life

The seamless collaboration between Levit and Thielemann is a testament to their shared understanding and reverence for Brahms' music. The orchestral performances, captured in the renowned acoustics of the Vienna Musikverein, transport the listener back in time, evoking the very era in which these timeless works were created.Levit's interpretations, whether in the sweeping grandeur of the piano concertos or the intimate introspection of the late piano works, are marked by a profound emotional depth and technical brilliance. His ability to navigate the composer's complex emotional terrain, from the tempestuous passion of the First Concerto to the gentle, lullaby-like qualities of the Intermezzi, is truly awe-inspiring.In the end, this captivating three-CD set stands as a testament to the enduring power of Brahms' music and the artistry of the musicians who bring it to life. Levit and Thielemann's collaboration is a must-listen for any lover of classical music, offering a fresh and deeply moving perspective on these beloved works.