Erich Leinsdorf, Sviatoslav Richter - Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 (1960) [2016] DSD128

The Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-at major, Op. 83 by Johannes Brahms is separated by a gap of 22 years from his rst piano
concerto. Brahms began work on the piece in 1878 and completed it in 1881 while in Pressbaum near Vienna. It is dedicated
to his teacher, Eduard Marxsen. The premiere of the concerto was given in Budapest on November 9, 1881, with Brahms as
soloist, and was an immediate success. He proceeded to perform the piece in many cities across Europe.
The piece is scored for 2 utes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets (B-at), 2 bassoons, 4 horns (initially 2 in B-at bass, 2 in F), 2 trumpets
(B-at), timpani (B-at and F), and strings. (The trumpets and timpani are used only in the rst two movements, which is
unusual.)
The piece is in four movements, rather than the three typical of concertos in the Classical and Romantic periods.


Tracks:

1. First Movement: Allegro Non Troppo 16:34
2. Second Movement: Allegro Appassionato 8:30
3. Third Movement: Andante 12:30
4. Fourth Movement: Allegretto Grazioso 8:37

Personnel:

Erich Leinsdorf Conducted
Sviatoslav Richter, piano
Chicago Symphony Orchestra