Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 83 Vladimir Ashkenazy (piano) Robert Scheiwein (cello solo) Conductor: Bernard Haitink Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Recorded: October 1982, Vienna <Digital Recording> This is Brahms, re-recorded by Ashkenazy after 15 years. With the ideal collaborators of Haitink conducting the Vienna Philharmonic, this is a large-scale performance in which even the technically difficult parts are played with great boldness. It can be said to be an ideal performance of this weighty work, which has a strong symphonic tendency. Ashkenazy's beautiful tone still tickles the listener's sensibilities. Selected Record Geijutsu (Record Art) disc. Music Critic: Kofuku Uno "Ashkenazy, without rushing or making a fuss, always behaves with dignity, plays the instrument to its fullest, without becoming prickly or cold, and his calm, weighty steps are perfect for Brahms, and the music is richly overflowing with Haitink." It is rare for Mr. Kofuku Uno to recommend Ashkenazy. It is such a great performance, a performance that satisfies. With a leisurely tempo and Haitink's rich tone, typical of Brahms, each note is filled with energy. Both the intense and the quiet parts are performed as if looking with a deep gaze. The recording, which conveys the strength of the timpani skin in the tutti, is also superb! On the heavy tone, which is rare for the Vienna Philharmonic, Ashkenazy's usual meticulous piano weaves its way with rich emotion, note by note. Anyway, from the beginning of the first movement, the horn leads the atmosphere of this performance, and the piano that enters later is well-defined and magnificent! The second movement's heavy approach works well, emphasizing the piano's power and high strings, and depending on how you listen, the good recording quality may be mistaken for eloquence. The third movement has a cello introduction that is suggestive and has a calm and beautiful flow. The final movement, which is a bit light as a work, makes me hesitate in terms of balance, but this performance is lively and full of a sense of liberation, without cutting corners and firmly concluding. It is a straightforward, top-ranked performance. Japanese domestic edition [out of print] No obi, no scratches on the disc 10 Slight scratches on the plastic case *We will discount for bulk purchases (please comment in advance) 150 yen off for each additional item 150 yen off all items for 10 or more items (Please refrain from discounts for single purchases)