Arthur Rubinstein Brahms Cello Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2 & 5 Intermezzi - Rubinstein Collection Vol. 64 - Classical Piano & Cello Music for Relaxation, Study & Romantic Evenings

Arthur Rubinstein received his early training as a musician in a manner totally foreign to today's young piano students. His early teachers were Joseph Joachim (a friend of Brahms) and Heinrich Barth. He was permitted by his teachers to give occasional performances, required to attend concerts, and played through the chamber repertoire with his fellow students. This is in contrast to the current generation which is consigned to the practice rooms of crowded conservatories (virtuoso factories, actually) and bred to win competitions, often at the expense of true musical development. As a result, Rubinstein was able to effortlessly make the crossover between stunning virtuoso performances, and communicative chamber music appearances.Arthur Rubinstein and Gregor Piatigorsky were friends from 1931 until the cellist's death in 1976. Legend has it that the easy going cellist was a calming factor in the many quarrels which sprang up between violinist Jascha Heifetz and the pianist during their days as the Million Dollar Trio. Much of that personal warmth comes through in these performances, which were recorded in 1966. There is a give-and-take here which recalls the great chamber music recordings of Rachmaninoff and Kreisler. One never gets the sense that Rubinstein and Piatigorsky are trying to "one-up" each other. Everything is in perfect balance. Rubinstein loved Brahms, approached him as a living composer, and the result is performances which continue to inspire decades later.The five Intermezzos were recorded at RCA's Hollywoood studios in 1953, and were originally issued as part of "Rubinstein plays Brahms" (LM-1787). Rubinstein plays the works with disarming directness.The remastered sound in the Cello Sonatas is well balanced and vibrant without being overpowering. The solo items are in mono, and sound smoother than on the original LP.