DGG RED STEREO Original. Quartetto di Roma performs Brahms' Piano Quartet. RED STEREO STICKER!
Record is EX+! Cover is EX! 

Brahms: Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25 – DGG Red Stereo ED1 138015 Featuring Quartetto di Roma with Carlo Bussotti (Piano)

The DGG Red Stereo ED1 138015 LP showcases the Quartetto di Roma with pianist Carlo Bussotti in a powerful and emotionally rich interpretation of Johannes Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25. Released by Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft (DGG), this recording captures the ensemble’s dynamic cohesion and Bussotti’s expressive piano performance, bringing out the intense, brooding character and intricate textures of Brahms' composition. The LP is highly prized by collectors and is considered one of the benchmark recordings of Brahms’ chamber music repertoire.

About the Quartetto di Roma and Carlo Bussotti

The Quartetto di Roma is known for its dedicated approach to both Classical and Romantic chamber music. The ensemble’s refined interpretation, marked by precision and warmth, complements the expressive piano part provided by Carlo Bussotti. Bussotti’s powerful yet nuanced playing blends well with the strings, capturing the intensity and complexity of Brahms’ music, while the ensemble’s technical prowess and tight coordination highlight the quartet’s intricate counterpoint and harmonic depth.

The LP and Its Significance

Label and Pressing: This DGG Red Stereo ED1 pressing is especially valued by collectors for its sound quality and rarity. As an early stereo release from Deutsche Grammophon, it captures the tonal richness and dynamic range of the performance, making it a valuable addition to any Brahms or chamber music collection.

Sound Quality: The sound quality on DGG Red Stereo ED1 138015 is exceptional, with DG’s engineers capturing the warmth of the strings and the clarity of Bussotti’s piano. The stereo imaging creates an immersive experience, allowing listeners to appreciate the balance and interaction between piano and strings. This LP is highly regarded by audiophiles for its balanced acoustics and natural soundstage.

Collectibility: As an original DGG Red Stereo ED1 pressing, 138015 is highly collectible, especially for fans of Brahms and chamber music enthusiasts. The rarity of this pressing, combined with the quality of the performance, makes it a sought-after item in the classical vinyl market.

About Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25

Composed between 1856 and 1861, Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor is one of Brahms’ most celebrated chamber works, known for its lyrical melodies, complex harmonies, and emotional depth. This quartet showcases Brahms' ability to balance powerful dramatic moments with tender lyricism, and it features four movements:

Allegro: The first movement begins with a somber, dramatic theme introduced by the piano, followed by an intense and expansive development. This movement features intricate textures and powerful dynamic contrasts, setting a passionate tone for the quartet.

Intermezzo: Allegro ma non troppo – Trio: Animato: The second movement is an intermezzo rather than a traditional scherzo, creating a playful yet introspective atmosphere. The trio section brings a contrasting, livelier theme, highlighting Brahms’ mastery of mood and rhythm.

Andante con moto: The third movement is lyrical and song-like, with a gently flowing melody in the strings accompanied by a lush, harmonic background from the piano. It serves as a moment of calm introspection, offering emotional balance before the intense finale.

Rondo alla Zingarese: Presto: The final movement is a spirited “gypsy” rondo, drawing inspiration from Hungarian folk music. This movement is lively, rhythmic, and technically demanding, showcasing Brahms’ fascination with folk melodies and rhythms.

The Quartetto di Roma and Bussotti bring out the contrasting moods of each movement, from the brooding Allegro to the lively, folk-inspired Rondo, capturing the full emotional range and technical demands of Brahms’ composition.

Interpretation by Quartetto di Roma and Carlo Bussotti

Dynamic Cohesion and Precision: The Quartetto di Roma’s performance is marked by cohesive ensemble playing and a strong sense of balance. Their interpretation emphasizes the quartet’s rich counterpoint and harmonic layers, bringing out Brahms’ structural complexity.

Expressive Piano Playing: Carlo Bussotti’s piano performance is powerful and expressive, complementing the strings while enhancing the emotional intensity of the music. His sensitive phrasing and dynamic control bring out the lyrical and dramatic qualities of each movement.

Stylistic Authenticity: The ensemble’s approach is true to the Romantic style, emphasizing both the dramatic and lyrical elements of Brahms’ composition. Their interpretation reflects a deep understanding of Brahms’ musical language, capturing the work’s balance of emotional depth and formal structure.

Why This Recording is Special

Definitive Performance: The interpretation by Quartetto di Roma and Bussotti is considered one of the most authentic readings of Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 1, celebrated for its emotional depth, technical precision, and stylistic insight. Their performance captures the essence of Brahms’ chamber music, making it a valuable recording for any enthusiast of Romantic chamber music.

High Audiophile Quality: The DGG Red Stereo ED1 pressing is known for its exceptional sound quality, capturing the warmth, clarity, and dynamic range of the performance. Audiophiles appreciate this LP for its balanced acoustics and natural sound, allowing listeners to fully experience the rich textures of Brahms’ music.

Collector’s Appeal: As an original DGG Red Stereo ED1 pressing, 138015 is highly valued by collectors. The combination of the Quartetto di Roma’s authoritative interpretation, the high production standards of DG, and the rarity of this pressing make it a prized item in the classical vinyl market.

Conclusion

The DGG Red Stereo ED1 138015 LP, featuring the Quartetto di Roma with Carlo Bussotti performing Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25, is a landmark recording in the Romantic chamber music repertoire. The ensemble’s cohesive, expressive playing, combined with Bussotti’s nuanced piano accompaniment and DG’s high-quality sound production, makes this LP a treasured possession for collectors and Brahms enthusiasts alike. Its historical significance, musical excellence, and collectible rarity ensure that this recording remains highly sought-after in the world of classical vinyl collecting.

Record Grading I use the following grades: M/M- Only for still sealed or certain unplayed records NM    Should look very close to unplayed EX+   With very few signs of use EX     Some light signs of use but nothing that should affect the    listening experience VG+   A really nice LP with some signs of use and the can be the odd light click, but nothing major at all VG    There are clear signs of use and there can be some recurring clicks and crackles, but not continously.  G       There are many marks and lines and you should expect that the listening experience will be hampered. But still playable. + and - are used for nuances. P/F    Very rarely used. Only very rare records will be listed in this condition
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