Amber No.7 - Maestoso [After J. Brahms' Piano Concerto No.1 in D Minor, Op. 15]

Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897)

 

The Brahms' D Minor has not always been my favourite concerto in the brooding key of D minor. In fact, it is only over the last year that it has topped that list, tied with Sergei Rachmaninoff's Third.

 

My initial reservations regarding the work revolved around the long orchestral introduction (about three (3) minutes) before the piano finally makes its' entrance, coupled with the absence of a flashy cadenza akin to those of Rachmaninoff's or Rubinstein's.

 

It was until my musical sensibilities matured - to be able to appreciate the symphonic form and a love for Brahms' symphonies in partiicular - that the full genius of Brahms' first piano concerto could be more fully appreciated.

 

Although the full work has enjoying many a hearing by me, it is the opening movement that is my favourite part of this beautiful work. As such, my thoughts will be limited to that particular movement.

 

From the huge cords played by the orchestra to open the work, there is a sense of impending doom and a titanic struggle unfolding. There is alot to admire in this movement: the trills played by the pianist, the gorgeous horn solos and the interplay between the piano and the orchestra - sometimes complimentary, sometimes combative. It is a fantastic experience. Emil Gilels' classic recording with Eugen Jochum and the Berlin Philharmoniker is my favourite to date.

Super shot and great choice of Piano Concerto..one of my favourites also!

Ok so can I really just have this girl's number?:-) Beautiful work in capturing her spirit.

Amber is one of the most beautiful girls that I have been honoured to work with. She is simply amazing! Kenrick, I feel the same way you do (:-))! To be young again...

Beautiful image and lighting.Beautiful eyes , great make-up , fantastic dress-up and ... .

 

Well done.

Dream like image my friend, those eyes are killing me!

I favored this from the 3 new posting you did. Surreal composition.

Excellent portrait work with perfect lighting. Congrats !