Brahms: Fantasies (7 piano pieces), Op. 116

Brahms was especially fond of the sound of the natural horn, which he saw as the embodiment of Romantic lyricism. Although the valve horn had begun to replace it in the early 19th century, it was for the older instrument, the Waldhorn, that he wrote his Trio Op. 40, today still the summit of the repertoire for its unusual forces. Here three young musicians, graduates of harmonia mundi, attempt to reconstruct the trio's original sound as precisely as possible.

Henri Bonamy is fast becoming one of the most ‘in demand’ young talents of his generation, on the concert platform today. A graduate of the Paris Conservatoire he has played extensively throughout Europe and the Far East, in concerto and solo performances. He is a regular chamber music recitalist and his performing partners include Julia Fischer, Marina Chiche and Wen-Sinn Yang.

Håkon Austbø was born in Norway, and now resides on Holland.

In 1971 he won the prestigious Olivier Messiaen prize. His recording of Scriabin sonatas was praised by the Gramophone as ‘Scriabin playing that can stand comparison with the finest on record’.

Brahms was a formidable pianist, and his early works were written to show of his tremendous technique. The piano sonatas Opp. 1–3 typify the highly virtuosic muscular style that suited his performing style. Brahms never revisited the piano sonata form after these early works, and his output for solo piano falls distinctly in top three groups. The early impetuous works, then from 1854-73 the more technical works, and, finally the late works from the 1890s included on this CD. These works are contemplative and autumnal, though the drama and tensions of the earlier works are never far away. The Op.116 set is remarkable in that its seven linked numbers form a single unity. It is in fact a seven movement sonata. Op.117 contains probably some of the most beautiful music Brahms’s composed. The 3 Intermezzi are reflective, deeply personal works. Op.118 contains severe technical demands for the performer, as well as music of incredible passion and sadness. Op.119 contains a Rhapsody, which is widely regarded as a final tribute to his pianist friend Clara Schumann. Brahms was madly in love with her, but although they were great friends, his love went unrequited.

Gourari plays the late piano pieces of Brahms, including Fantasies and the Intermezzi. This is the Russian pianist’s debut on the Berlin Classics label. She has been praised for her “almost mystical piano playing”.