Description

The Concerto was part of Toscanini's last Brahms cycle with the NBCSO. The performance here is similar to that of the 1940 RCA recording but, as critic Christopher Dyment points out in his liner notes, "Its musical impact is subtly different from the earlier performances, for Horowitz emerges as at least the equal musical partner of his father-in-law. In part this is perhaps attributable to the recording which gives him greater prominence; but equally there is more freedom in the opening flourishes, heightened drama in the restatement of the opening material on his second entry, a more inflected approach throughout, all betokening a greater confidence in his own powers. It is as a whole a commanding performance doing full justice to Brahms." The 3rd Symphony presented here was one of Toscanini's favorites, characterized by great clarity of texture, a singing line, and subtle tempo variations. In the words of Christopher Dyment, "It is superbly characteristic of Toscanini's Brahms at its illuminating best."

TOSCANINI CONDUCTS BRAHMS: UNISSUED BROADCAST PERFORMANCES. Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 in Bb, Op. 83 with Vladimir Horowitz, piano (23 Oct 1948) & Syphony No. 3 in F, Op. 90 (31 Mar 1946). UPC# 0-17685-10772-6 (79:33) AAD.

Sound Clips (MP3):

1. Brahms- Piano Concerto No- 2 in B flat major, Op- 83 I- Allegro non troppo – Arturo Toscanini

2. Brahms- Piano Concerto No- 2 in B flat major, Op- 83 II- Allegro appassionato – Arturo Toscanini

3. Brahms- Piano Concerto No- 2 in B flat major, Op- 83 III- Andante – Arturo Toscanini

4. Brahms- Piano Concerto No- 2 in B flat major, Op- 83 IV- Allegretto grazioso – Arturo Toscanini

5. Brahms- Symphony No- 3 in F major, Op- 90 I- Allegro con brio – Arturo Toscanini

6. Brahms- Symphony No- 3 in F major, Op- 90 II- Andante – Arturo Toscanini

7. Brahms- Symphony No- 3 in F major, Op- 90 III- Poco allegretto – Arturo Toscanini

8. Brahms- Symphony No- 3 in F major, Op- 90 IV- Allegro – Arturo Toscanini