Brahms

The centerpiece of this CD is Brahms' Sonata, Opus 5, which he composed when he was 20 years old. At 38 minutes, it is a grand, expansive, five-movement work, practically symphonic in its complexity and format. The first movement is severe and intense, the second a love song-lullaby, the third alternates big-boned expressivity with great lyricism, the fourth evokes great tragedy, and the finale is a masterpiece of contrapuntal writing. Kissin's virtuosity is astounding--he can thunder or whisper--and his sense of line, melody, and mood are impeccable. His joy at playing the piano and just plain music-making is something to behold. Two pieces from Op. 76 (composed 22 years after the sonata) express a folksy flavor and sentimental yearning, respectively, and the five brief Hungarian Dances (transcribed for piano by the composer from his orchestral works) are perfect encores--energetic and easy to grasp. This is a glorious disc, a must for lovers of great pianism, and another feather in Kissin's already impressive cap. --Robert Levine