Brahms – Klavierstucke, Op.76;
Fantasien, Op.116; Drei Intermezzi, Op.117
Peter Longworth
Azica ACD-71279
I really enjoyed the warm tone and elegant interpretation of these Brahms works as recorded by Toronto pianist Peter Longworth. This was a mature and introspective performance. There was a real sense of intimacy between the music and the performer. This came across in fluid music making and exquisite attention to detail. Longworth plays this music with a sense of integrity and delicacy that speaks to the nature of this music. You sense that these Brahms pieces are like Longworth’s treasured old friends and it shows in the care he takes in shaping the musical lines and phrases. The music is personal and tells an intimate emotional story. This is not the virtuosic, flashy Brahms of the sonatas or concerti, but there is enough difficult technical detail to keep the pianist working hard. Longworth makes it sound easy and I never once thought about technique while I listened. I was too enthralled and mesmerized by the music.
I also appreciated hearing these works on one CD, almost like one large piece. The three sets of Klavierstucke, Op.76, Fantasien, Op.116 and Drei Intermezzi, Op.117 are comprised of capriccios and intermezzi and it is revealing to hear Brahms’ own spiritual journey revealed in these tender gems of music. Longworth has long championed chamber music and you can hear this influencing his texture and mastery of tonal colour. He wrote in the program notes that “this music remains relevant, and grows increasingly rich as we savour more of life. I look forward to playing these pieces 40 years from now.” I will definitely be looking forward to hearing him play them again.
