Solomon Plays Brahms
Solomon's was an "art that conceals art." He was blessed with a transcendent technique which never called attention to itself, an aristocratic style that eschewed idiosyncrasies, and an understated approach that directly communicated the music's emotional weight. His performance of the massive Brahms Concerto is suffused with warmth and romanticism, yet never breaks the classical boundaries of the work. Flowing tempos keep the tension at a high level, and Solomon is superb in conveying the grandeur as well as the poetry. The Philharmonia in 1947 was a great orchestra and they contribute mightily to the excellence of this disc. Solomon's as good in the Rhapsody No. 2 and two late intermezzos that serve as welcome fillers.--Dan Davis