Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical piano with Julius Katchen's "Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1." Released on ICA Classics in 2011, this album is a masterful collection of works that showcase Katchen's virtuosity and the profound depth of Brahms' compositions. The centerpiece of the album is the complete Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15, performed with the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Rudolf Kempe. This concerto, divided into three movements—Maestoso, Adagio, and Rondo. Allegro non troppo—is a testament to Brahms' genius and Katchen's interpretive brilliance.

Beyond the concerto, the album offers a rich tapestry of additional pieces, including Chopin's Ballade No. 3 in A-Flat Major, Op. 47, Liszt's Mephisto Waltz No. 1, and selections from Schumann's Waldszenen and Albeniz's Iberia. Each piece is performed with precision and passion, highlighting Katchen's ability to bring out the nuances and emotional depth of these classical masterpieces.

The album also includes a fascinating discussion between Julius Katchen and John Amis, where they delve into the intricacies of Mozart's Concerto K. 466 and Brahms's Concerto No. 1. This insightful conversation adds a layer of intellectual engagement, making the album not just a listening experience but also an educational one.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, "Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1" is a comprehensive journey through some of the most celebrated works in the classical piano repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a captivating exploration of the artistry of Julius Katchen and the enduring beauty of Brahms' compositions.

Julius Katchen, the American concert pianist, was renowned for his powerful and daring interpretations, particularly of Johannes Brahms' solo piano works. Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, Katchen began his musical journey as a child prodigy, debuting at the age of 10 and performing with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy just a year later. His career flourished as he toured Europe and settled in Paris, becoming a celebrated figure in the classical music world.

Katchen's discography is extensive and diverse, encompassing works by Liszt, Rachmaninov, and Brahms, among others. His recordings of Brahms' piano sonatas and variations are considered benchmarks, showcasing his technical prowess and musical insight. Beyond his solo work, Katchen also collaborated with notable musicians such as Josef Suk and János Starker, further enriching his musical legacy. Despite his tragic early death at the age of 42, Katchen's contributions to the piano repertoire continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

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Tracks

More albums by Julius Katchen

Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Op. 8 / Piano Trio No. 3 in C minor, Op. 101: Remastered 2025

Trio in G major for Piano, Violin and Cello. op. 87 / Sonata No. 2 in F major for Piano, and Cello. op. 99: Remastered 2025

Music that warms

"Katchen Plays": Chopin & Brahms

A Collection of Beethoven

Dohnányi & Rachmaninoff: Variationen Über Ein Kinderlied, OP. 25 - Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, OP. 43

Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 1; Violin Sonata No. 2; Violin Sonata No. 3

Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43 - Dohnányi: Variations on a Nursery Tune, Op. 25

Liszt: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 – Schubert: Fantasie in C Major, Op. 15, D. 760

Beethoven: Diabelli Variations

Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini: Dohnanyi: Variations on a Nursery Tune

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto, No. 2, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Grieg & Schumann: Piano Concertos

Dohnanyi: Variations on a Nursery Song / Rachmaninoff: Suite, No. 2 / Arensky: Suite, No. 1

Beethoven: Piano Concerto, No. 3 & Rondo for Piano and Orchestra

Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini / Dohnányi: Variations on a Nursery Song

Brahms: Hungarian Dances; Variations on a Theme by Paganini

Julius Katchen, Vol. 1: Bach & Beethoven

Beethoven: Diabelli Variations; 6 Bagatelles

Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5 & Rondo, WoO 6

Masterpieces for Piano Left Hand

Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture, Capriccio italien & Slavonic March - Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2

Bartók: Piano Concerto No. 3 in E Major, Sz. 119 & Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26

Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1, Samson François vs. Julius Katchen

Julius Katchen & London Philharmonic Orchestra: Liszt Piano Concerto Nos. 1-2

Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20, K. 466 Julius Katchen vs. Robert Casadesus

Julius Katchen Plays Liszt, Brahms, Beethoven, Schumann and Chopin

Children's Classics

Prokofiev: Concerto No.3 in C major - Bartok: Concerto No. 3

Chill With Tchaikovsky

Bartok: Piano Concerto No.3 / Ravel: Piano Concerto in G major

Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini - Dohnányi: Variations on a Nursery Tune

Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 in B Flat Minor, Op. 23

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18

Sergei Prokofjeff: Masters of Music, Vol. 55

Béla Bartók: Masters of Music, Vol. 5

Bela Bartók

Beethoven: The Piano Concertos etc

Julius Katchen: Decca Recordings 1949-1968

Brahms: Handel Variations; Paganini Variations / Schumann: Etudes Symphoniques

Gerswhin: Orchestral Works

Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf/Saint-Saens: Carnival of the Animals