Samuel Barber Piano concerto Op.38, John Browning, Complete

Samuel Barber Piano concerto Op.38, Complete
1. Allegro appassionato
2. Canzone: moderato
3. Allegro molto
John Browning Piano
Cleveland Orchestra
George Szell Conductor

[@gljm]

My favorite story about this concerto is that Barber would bring what he had written to Browning so that he could learn it in time for the premier. One day Barber brought over the latest measures he had composed for Browning to see. Browning looked at it and said that it was unplayable. Barber then sat down at the piano and played it, to which Browning said , that Barber had played it at half the tempo that Barber had written it and it was unplayable at the tempo Barber wanted. They went back and forth and finally Barber said that they should bring it to Vladimir Horowitz , who had premiered Barber's Piano Sonata, and if Horowitz said it could be played than Browning would would practice it no matter what. They go to Horowitz and Barber puts the manuscript on the piano, Horowitz studies it for a minute, hands it back to Barber and states that it's Unplayable. Barber rewrote the passage.

[@beedoe51]

The person that gave a thumbs down must be in a coma. This is perfection. John Browning said he's played this concerto over 400 times and it doesn't get any easier. Thanks for posting this masterpiece!!

[@lkrupp215]

Barber wrote this concerto for Browning. Browning premiered it. They collaborated many times. This is about as good as it gets.

[@srothbardt]

THE recording of the Barber.

[@MichaelConwayBaker]

One of the great masterpieces of the 20th c. beautifully performed by John Browning with wonderful orchestral accompaniment. A real treat to listen to.

[@alexculbreti3169]

I heard Mr. Browning play this when I was 25. Profound performance. Such ferocity at times, intermixed with haunting beauty. The quintessential 20th century American piano concerto. Yuja ? Volodos ? someone must champion this magnificent masterpiece. I love Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff, Bartok- but please add Barber to your repertoire !

[@gregwardson3658]

I saw Browning play this piece in Prospect Park in Brooklyn in the summer of 1969 with the NY Philharmonic. I think it was conducted by Leonard Bernstein, but I'm nor 100% sure as was only 16 and in total awe of my surroundings. It was a absolutely MIND-BLOWING experience! I was a guest of one of Mr. Browning's dear friends and we all stood at the front edge of the stage, less than 30 feet from the piano. I wasn't familiar with the work but was immediately and completely bowled over by the power and emotion of his playing, the writing, and especially the sound and majesty of the orchestra from so close. Changed this 16 year old's life forever: absolutely spectacular...

[@tflnc]

I heard John Browning play this live with the Chicago Symphony at Ravinia in the mid-70s while attending the concert with several high school friends. I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Browning after the concert. He was extremely polished and had a dry wit. While smoking a cigarette, he crossed one hand over the another to show how consistently complicated it was to play the concerto. This is the benchmark for all Barber concerto performances. Anyone who derides this performance doesn't know what he's talking about.

[@johnnauman347]

Try and play it. My scariest concerto ever. Rach 4 was a walk in the park. Awwww, I love John.

[@tbarrelier]

This is not music. It is prophetic utterance.

[@hugginduff]

one of the greatest recording ever..with George Szell and the Cleveland orchestra, 1965

[@oboist3]

I played 2nd oboe in this work, in a performance given in Christchurch NZ by a brilliant young British pianist Leon McCawley, who was about 18 at the time. I was spellbound. I thought he was particularly brave considering John Browning was performing it with the NZSO around the same time.

[@Ic3d34rth]

never before has a piece of music conveyed so many moods to me. this is brilliance.

[@MichaelConwayBaker]

A fabulous performance of, perhaps, the greatest piano concerto by , perhaps, the greatest American composer.

[@johnrapp8873]

This is the most awesome performance of this beautiful concerto in history! Thank You Mr. Browning and Conductor and Orchestra!..John Rapp

[@TempodiPiano]

I had no idea Barber could be so amusing, complex, light... I underestimated him. Thank you for this video.

[@johnrapp8873]

a most difficult and beautiful piece, and what a most beautiful performance of conductor, orchestra and pianist....thank You..John Rapp

[@octavianeandracles5868]

i'm here because today while i was attending the TOEIC in France, the examinator put this music before the exam. How i succeed to the TOEIC ? Who cares : this is gold.

[@FourthDerivative]

The second movement.... just breathtaking

[@Mazarbul1]

My favorite version of this awesome masterwork ^^.