The Best of Brahms. Naxos 8.556659
- Conductors: Istvan Bogar, Stephen Gunzenhauser, Alexander Rahbari
- Orchestra(s): Belgian Radio and Television Philharmonic Orchestra; Budapest Symphony Orchestra; Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
- Ensemble(s): Stuttgart Soloists
- Artist(s): Biret, Idil; Jando, Jeno; Nagy, Peter; Nishizaki, Takako
The Best of Brahms Review
“Although it has one glaring flaw, The Best of Brahms from Naxos is otherwise a superb effort, beating the competition in several ways. Unlike the other labels' greatest-hits packages, these recordings are all digital and have an excellent sound quality that is well-balanced from track to track. Additionally, the music is played straight, with no sweetened arrangements or popularizations à la André Kostelanetz to raise questions of authenticity. The performers are exceptional, particularly the BRT Philharmonic Orchestra under Alexander Rahbari, whose movements from the symphonies are so energetic and exciting that one might want to hear their complete set. The Stuttgart soloists are also splendid in their playing of the Andante ma moderato from the "String Sextet No. 1,” and they produce a glistening ensemble sound that is admirable. Yet the best performance is undeniably Takako Nishizaki's reading of the Adagio from the “Violin Concerto,” a radiant line that soars yet retains considerable warmth in the upper tessitura. While most of this disc is exceptional or well above satisfactory, the biggest disappointment is the drastically curtailed Allegro non troppo from the “Piano Concerto No. 2,” which should have been presented completely, even if it meant sacrificing the two “Hungarian Dances” and the “Cradle Song” to make it fit." All Music Guide – Blair Sanderson