Chasins (1903-87), who had been a protege of Josef Hofmann, first became known for performing his own works. His two piano concertos were introduced by the Philadelphia Orchestra under Ossip Gabrilowitsch and Leopold Stokowki, both when Chasins was on the Curtis Institute faculty.
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| Abram Chasins |
Although he had retired as a concert pianist, Chasins made six LPs for Mercury during 1949-51, four solo and two with his wife, pianist Constance Keene. Here we have one of the solo albums. This brief 10-incher presents the three piano Rhapsodies written by Brahms - the two Op. 79 Rhapsodies and the Rhapsody that concludes the composer's Four Pieces, Op. 119.
I transferred this for a classical music sharing site, but thought some of you might enjoy it as well. The performances are very fine and the sound is good.
11 comments:
Link (Apple lossless):
https://mega.nz/file/TINkmKAD#WoIZl3ZeXCdNaXbAQWck1Mfg8UA_ZmyOPWw2b4LKd4c
You know, some Brahms sounds like a good idea right about now, sort of settle the nerves. Thanks Buster!
Thanks a lot Buster for this rarity.
I heard some of his solo piano compositions and quite understand why Kappell or Cherkassky supported them...
I would be quite interested in listening his piano concertos: do you know if any recording is available?
centuri - I have never seen any recordings of the concertos. You might ask at Symphonyshare - Karl Miller would have one if anyone does.
Fascinating to have Chasins playing these great works, even if the sound is not as good as I had hoped. Rather constricted and mushy, I would say... In any case, is there a chance you might have any of the other Mercury LPs, so enticingly listed on the back cover...??
thedentist,
It is constricted and a bit muddy, I agree, even though it was probably recorded by Robert Fine, one of the best regarded old-line classical engineers. However, Mercury pressings at the time were very cheap, which may be a contributing factor.
Sorry, but I don't have any others in this series. They are interesting, aren't they?
Thanks Buster !
Thank you for these recordings of which I was entirely unaware.
I think I had an LP with Chasins and Keene (long gone) in which they played well (I no longer recall what) but this is much more important.
Chasins obviously had the sheer muscle for Brahms but keeps the musical lines clear. He has the freedom and timbral colors of a Hofmann pupil. (As far as I know, Hofmann himself was not much of a one for Brahms.)
Based on these tracks, he could have been a major touring artist but perhaps he didn't want to tour. I can understand that. It's a dreadful life.
I am again in your debt.
Thank you so much, as ever. dear Buster! I love late Brahms and can never have enough recordings, especially by characters as interesting as Chasins. I look forward to enjoying this in calm and contemplation :) Very best wishes, as ever, Nick
My pleasure, Nick. Hope you are (and continue to be) well.
Many thanks Buster - I had no idea Chasins had recorded this music.
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