Reviewed by Remy Franck
Johannes Brahms: Klavierstücke (8 Klavierstücke op. 76, Rhapsodien op. 79, 7 Fantasien op. 116, 3 Intermezzi op. 117, 6 Klavierstücke op. 118, 4 Klavierstücke op. 119; Performed by Boris Berman, piano.
Boris Berman recorded a lot for Chandos and Naxos, but no works by Brahms. Now the small but fine French label Palais des Dégustateurs is releasing a collection of piano pieces by Brahms. This shows how important smaller independent labels have become. Boris Berman, now 71, presents himself here as a first-class Brahms interpreter. It’s striking how much his playing is serene and wise. Berman doesn’t have to prove anything anymore, he lets the music speak for itself, emphasizes the melodies, which develop effortlessly from the often complex structures. Emotions are finely nuanced, so that passion and melancholy, longing, retrospect as well as outlook change naturally. Berman knows how to continuously build up a perceptible tension and to connect the different moods without break. So the listener can indulge in this Brahms without reservation and experience the music with a beauty and a tension that make this album very attractive.
» Go to original review in German at Pizzicato (Luxembourg)