Wilhelm Backhaus / Karl Böhm & Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra - Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2

Wilhelm Backhaus (1884-1969) is considered one of the most important German pianists of the last century. He was 83 years young when this outstanding Brahms piano concerto was recorded in April 1967

with conductor Karl Böhm and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in the legendary Sofiensaal in Vienna, Austria. “Classics Today” correctly assesses the significance of the original Decca recording: "Böhm was

in a particularly happy phase of his long career, and the Vienna Philharmonic played with that special combination of warmth and effortless precision that can so easily turn into carelessness under a less disciplined

conductor. The result deserves its classic status. Backhaus plays without any trace of showmanship, but with unerring insight. His ability to illuminate the inner lines of the music and the clarity of his voicing in the

slow movement of the Brahms concerto guide the listener through this immensely long work with supreme ease." Thanks to the loving remastering, Esoteric's new LP edition, pressed on high-quality 180-gram vinyl,

shines with a fresh audiophile brilliance – a must for classical music lovers and fans of the pianist of the century! Thanks to the loving remastering, the new LP edition from Esoteric, pressed on high-quality 180-gram vinyl,

shines with audiophile brilliance – a must-have for classical music lovers and fans of this outstanding pianist!

Esoteric's reissue of classical music masterpieces has attracted a great deal of attention worldwide. The uncompromising commitment to restoring and editing the original tapes is personally supervised by Mr. Motoaki Ohmachi,

founder of Esoteric. Exclusive new mixes of the master tapes are made for the LP versions of the "Masterpiece Collection". To achieve pristine sound quality, the newly developed "Esoteric Mastering System" is used, including

the "Master Sound Discrete DAC" and "Master Sound Discrete Clock" from Esoteric, as well as Mexcel cables.

Wilhelm Backhaus (piano)
Emanuel Brabec (violoncello) 
Karl Böhm (conductor)
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

Recorded on April 1967 in Sofiensaal, Vienna, Austria

We recommend the use of "L'Art du Son" LP cleaner to wet wash your vinyl. Even new records of high quality production will benefit from this.

Title

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897): “Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 83”

Side A

1. First Movement: Allegro Non Troppo
2. Second Movement: Allegro Appassionato

Side B

1. Third Movement: Andante - Più Adagi
2. Fourth Movement: Allegretto Grazioso - Un Poco Più Presto