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Background:

• Piano Concerto No. 1: Completed in 1858 after a long, intense gestation period, premiering in Leipzig in 1859. A deeply tragic, stormy, and monumental Concerto, reflecting the emotional turmoil following the mental collapse and near-death of his close mentor, Robert Schumann. Initially it was considered a decisive failure and a monstrosity by a shocked audience and hostile critics.
• Piano Concerto No. 2: Written more than two decades later in 1881, during a happy period of mature confidence and European travels. The Concerto is expansive, warm, lyrical, and symphonic. It was an immediate and triumphant success at its premier, contrasting sharply with the rocky premiere of the First Concerto.
• Brahms two Concertos are ranked among the most powerful and demanding works in the classical music repertoire.

Recordings:

• The Romantic Piano Concertos (1991 – 2007 Edition).
  Piano Concerto No. 2, Clavierstucke.
  Paul Hamelin.
  Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
  Andrew Litton.
  Hyperion.

• The Piano Concertos.
  Stephen Hough.
  Mozarteumorchester Salzburg.
  Mark Wigglesworth.
  Hyperion.

• Piano Concertos 1 & 2, 7 Songs.
  Stephen Kovacevich.
  Ann Murray (mezzo-soprano), Nobuko Imai (violin).
  London Philharmonic Orchestra.
  Wolfgang Sawallisch.
  Warner Classics.
  Gramophone Awards (1993): Winner Concerto.

• Brahms: Piano Concertos Nos 1 & 2, 7 Fantasias, 3 Intermezzi, 6 Piano Pieces, 4 Piano Pieces, Waltz.
  Igor Levit.
  Wiener Philharmoniker.
  Christian Thielemann.
  Sony.
  Presto Recordings of the Year (2024): Finalist.
  International Classical Music Awards (2025): Nominated Assorted Programs.
  Opus Klassik Awards (2025): Concerto.

• Piano Concerto No. 1, Ballades Op. 10.
  Paul Lewis.
  Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra.
  Daniel Harding.
  Harmonia Mundi.
  Presto Recording of the Week (2016).
  Presto Recordings of the Year (2016): Finalist.

• Piano Concerto No. 1 & Six Piano Pieces Op. 118.
  Francesco Piemontesi.
  Gewandhausorchester.
  Manfred Honeck.
  Pentatone.

• Piano Concerto No. 2 & Three Intermezzi Op. 117.
  Francesco Piemontesi.
  Gewandhausorchester.
  Manfred Honeck.
  Pentatone.
  Presto Recordings of the Year (2025): Winner.

• Piano Concerto No. 2, Handel Variations.
  Lars Vogt (and conductor)
  Royal Northern Sinfonia.
  Ondine.
  BBC Music Magazine (2020): Concerto Choice.

About Coram Deo

Coram Deo — before the face of God. This blog reflects on Scripture, world events, science, music, psychology, and the human mind — always through the lens of Christian faith. All of life is lived before the face of God.