| Review by Ivymike August 14, 2005 (9 of 9 found this review helpful)
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Sonics: |
Ten years ago I chanced across this recording in its original CD version. I picked it up mainly because it was an early stereo recording, engineered by Leslie Chase and recorded direct to two-track, 30 ips tape in April, 1954. The sound was big and initially impressive, but I found that my impressions changed, and not it good ways, with each new listening experince. The dynamics seemed somewhat restricted, as though Chase was riding gain. I also noticed that it evinced what I call the "giant piano" effect in which the image of the piano is spread all the way from far left to far right and out of proportion with the rest of the stereo image. I now know that this is an artifact of spaced-omni recording.
Now the SACD. The sound seems a bit livelier to me than it did on CD; perhaps some equalization was used on the original to reduce tape hiss. The soundstage is very wide and reverberant and is quite pleasing at first, but then that giant piano effect takes over and it just doesn't sound quite right...add to all of this what is probably the worst example of the hole-in-the-middle effect on any of the early RCA's and we've got an average recording that is pleasing to put on in the background but doesn't stand up as well when critical listening on a good system is in order. Tape noise is moderate; the same feeling of restricted dynamics is present and I'm sure this is inherent in the master tape. There's a pleasant warmth to the whole thing, particularly when it is played in the background.
I am not a fan of Brahms' music, but each time I hear this I grow more fond of it. I will not, therefore, stick my neck out and show the temerity to rate the performance since this is the only recording I've heard. Suffice it say that a non-Brahms guy finds it more and more interesting and that the melody in the first movement keeps coming up in my head.
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| Review by ThreeBs December 7, 2005 (8 of 10 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
| I first learned this concerto from the Serkin/Ormandy CBS record 40 years ago. It is one of the pieces closest to my heart. I remember hearing this Rubinstein record in the 60’s (I did not own it), and finding it too warm and even sloppy compared to Serkin. Now I find the SACD release to be a revelation. First, the sound is simply amazing for a nearly 50 year old recording. It puts to shame many contemporary piano concerto recordings. I still find the sound warm, but on the SACD it is also amazingly transparent. As for the performance, I enjoyed it immensely. Rubinstein had a special affinity for Brahms, and in this concerto he plays with both bravura and compassion. A wonderful recording in every way, and also a bargain. Highly recommended!
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| Review by JW September 5, 2006 (3 of 4 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
Sure, the sound is good for a 50 year old recording. But in my system it compresses (overloads) hard on treble when the higher pitched massed strings and brass come into play. And the piano is indeed spread very wide across the channels. The hole-in-the-middle effect I do hear as well, but it does not bother me that much as it's mostly filled by the piano. Maybe this is also system dependent - I have heard it worse and I do hear a lot of the massed strings in the center. The music is very enjoyable, but frankly the recording does not have the extension that allows it to breath freely.
Jw
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| Review by Celebidache2000 December 21, 2006 (4 of 8 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
Miraculous. Astonishing. Unbelievable.
This is the finest performance of Brahm's First Piano Concerto that I have yet encountered. Rubinstein knows no equal (I have compared this performance to those of Arrau, Serkin, Azhkenazy, Gilels, Curzon ... etc.).
For a recording that's over 50 years old, this SACD sounds fresh as a new bloom...as if it were recorded yesterday. Rubinstein, Reiner, and the Chicago Symphony make magic and some of the finest and most skilled recording engineers (as have ever dabbled in the craft) were present to capture the magic.
The solosit and orchestra just seem to leap out into the room, giving the sensation of a live performance.
I cannot praise the recording and the performance highly enough. Best Brahms on disc.
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