A magnificent romanticism portrayed by a solitary pianist
This is a masterpiece in which Ashkenazy and Haitink's collaboration brings Brahms' mature compositional techniques to the forefront.
Ashkenazy's piano eloquently speaks against the rich sound of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. From the powerful thematic presentation in the first movement to the meditative beauty of the second, he fully expresses the work's many facets. Haitink's meticulous conducting allows the dialogue between orchestra and soloist to unfold naturally, resulting in a performance that conveys the profound spirituality of Brahms's later years.
