German pianist Markus Groh returns to AVIE after his very successful Liszt’s solo piano music recital (a Gramophone Editor’s Choice). Recorded once more utilizing in the superior quality of the SACD technology, Groh visits Brahms’ challenging four late compositions for piano solo, Opp 116, 117, 118,119, ranging from the most dramatic to the daring and wondering emotions towards this great composer’s late years
“There's much to admire in Groh's playing of these four sets...especially the beautifully judged palette of keyboard colours with which he shades these exquisite pieces. At times the quiet inwardness of the music escapes him - he's more at home, for instance, with the comparative extroversion of the Rhapsodie with which Op 119 ends, than with the delicately pearled intermezzo with which the set opens - and not everything in these pieces unfolds with the naturalness and expressive breadth that they ideally need. But Groh's playing has a musicality and honesty.” The Guardian, 20th June 2008 ***
“Sometimes in the more fiery pieces, such as the capriccios of Op 116, Groh seems limited in his colour range. Yet it is the poetic touch that matters here, and he clearly possesses that in spades, as the opening piece of Op 117, the beautifully gauged dying cadence of Op 116, No 6, the rich colours of Op 118, No 2, and the direct, unhurried simplicity of the first piece of Op 119 all testify.” Sunday Times, 15th June 2008 ***
“Late Brahms that demonstrates the pianist's supreme control and sensitivity.” Gramophone Magazine, September 2008
