‘Volodos plays Brahms’ is the title of a recent CD by Arcadi Volodos in which we hear the following selections:
Brahms:
Capriccio in F sharp minor, Op. 76 No. 1
Capriccio in B minor, Op. 76 No. 2
Intermezzo in A flat, Op. 76 No. 3
Intermezzo in B flat major, Op. 76 No. 4
Intermezzi (3), Op. 117
Klavierstücke (6), Op. 118
All performed by Arcadi Volodos (piano)
Volodos has played the Brahms solo pieces over the past years in places all over the world and received highest critical acclaim for his interpretation. The Brahms solo works are perfect to show Volodos unique ability to create a special and magic sound, a sound “which lifts us, the listener, into the air and which makes us believe that the world is floating” (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung).
Recorded in the famous Teldex Studios Berlin in three sessions (2015 – 2017) on a great Steinway Grand Piano specially tuned by Michel Brandjes, one of the best tuners in the world. There is no editing in this recording. Volodos played every piece over and over again to develop his idea of structure and sound and chose the best version of each piece after the end of the recording.
Here is a beautiful performance of the Intermezzo Op. 117, number 2:
God bless this man. May he live for a very long time and open our ears to nuances and subtleties in music which apparently only he, unlike everyone else, discovers. I found myself wondering if even Brahms himself had heard these pieces as played by Volodos. I have listened to classical music for 71 years and am very grateful to have lived long enough to hear this recording. Volodos mesmerizes with his singing, gleaming sound. He seems to possess a very fine and pure touch and sensibility. I have become hopelessly addicted to his playing and know deep down there is no cure.
I received a CD of “Volodos plays Mompou”. The playing was magnificent; the piano sound was perfect. I am so pleased that there is a new release by the same artist, recording personnel , piano technician and…THE Steinway.