Credits:

Brahms (1833-1897)

Description:

Lars Forkt masterfully maneuvered the Royal Northern Sinfonia for the 2019 release of Brahms' "Piano Concerto No. 1" and gave a stunning performance both on the piano and conducting. This time, he has also accomplished a wonderful performance of "No. 2," which is said to be even more difficult to play. Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 has been counted by many pianists and critics as "one of the most difficult piano pieces" since its premiere in 1881, and is a work in which just playing the piano part is a challenge, as it is full of thick chords and complex passages amidst magnificent musical ideas. Of course, the orchestral part is also written with great precision. Here, Forkert treats both piano and orchestra equally, and the music is a breathless, raging development. After the humorous expression of the second movement with its unique flavor, the third movement, the Andante with solo cello, lets the cello sing with plenty of energy and enjoy the slow and beautiful melody, and the final movement, which begins with a light melody, is a joy to listen to. The final movement, which begins with a light melody, is a dense performance.Also included is "Variations on a Theme by Handel and Fugue. This work, which pays homage to the masters of the Baroque era, shows Brahms' skillful compositional techniques, especially his masterful use of counterpoint in the fugue. Brahms's thoughtful performance of the piece is a perfect complement to his Beethoven specialty, and the orchestra's performance is a true testament to Brahms's mastery of the music. Naxos Japan