Yuja Wang: Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major Op. 83 [HD]

The Brahms Second Piano Concerto is one of the most ferociously difficult concertos in the repertoire. The funny thing is that when it's played well, it almost sounds easy. I've always loved the Ashenazy/Haitink/VPO recording, and I've been lucky enough to hear such pianists as Ax, Watts, and Ohlsson perform it live. I think it was Ax who said, "With the Brahms concerti, you have to be lucky as well as good." This young lady is phenomenal. I love how her playing isn't all about technique, but is about the music. That said, her technique is astounding.

Let's thank the engineers who recorded this performance.

What a great gathering of international talent! A Chinese pianist, playing a German author composition, conducted by a Russian director, with a German orchestra at a Japenese auditorium. Herr Brahms would be delighted by the experience! Let alone by the superb performance. Very intense to enjoy this fine example of human achievement amidst the uncertain pandemics times

I first heard this when I was 14 years old and struggling in an alcoholic family, living in an ugly area of the city, attending a vile junior high school where there was racial tension and bullying by one group of kids against other kids. This music helped me cope. Now, all these years later I watch and listen to an amazing young woman. I watch her body movements, her hands gliding over the piano, her face etched with an energy I find hard to describe. I have never heard this piece of music played with such freshness, such clarity. This piece is violent then changes to a tenderness in a split second and Yuja Wang captures it with such brilliance.

The Andante in this version is both, lyric and sumptuous. Miss Wang is one of the finest pianists I've ever heard in my 81 years of life as an assiduous music-lover.

The cello piece in the third movement is so beautiful even the piano has to bow down and let it tell its tale uninterrupted.

Every time I listen to this recording I feel as if in a land of magic. I believe Yuja's secret is that, unlike others, her tone doesn't carry any angst, over brooding, nor harsh pounding. Her playing is refreshing, uplifting and simply beautiful. This is a magnificent recording to treasure.

I've had the pleasure of participating in a master class with Yuja Wang. I was learning Brahms' Op 79 Rhapsody No 2, and she was not only so gracious and kind but in 10 minutes with her I gained a completely fresh perspective on Brahms. Ms. Wang is a force to be reckoned with -- she brings a rock star vibe to her performances, while still maintaining a profoundly deep understanding of the music and technique beyond compare.

I've always preferred the first concerto as being grittier, more human, and less refined than the second. I've changed my mind! Right from the opening mini-cadenza, Ms Wang gives us all the grit and soul which hadn't really found me before. And yet she never gets carried away and tries to force the piano. And in the Finale... wow. Such majesty, fun, and gossamer-like tenderness. I enjoyed every moment of this and it's become my favourite performance. And that's saying something because I first heard this piece in 1967. Brava, Yuja. One of our great talents.

Dislikes...how could anyone dislike this stunning talented woman

The third movement, the Andante, is a blessing to all humanity in this Covid-19 time. It says: Don´t give up, times will be better, listen to this and you will understand.

Johannes Brahms could not have been human when he wrote this!

I've watched this over and over to marvel at her strength, skill and heart, but get lost in the thrills of the work itself. Brahms stupefies me with his astounding inventive structure, alternating the voices of piano with orchestra in ways nobody else could have thought of. First time I heard it, I thought it was just all over the place random separate episodes; now I see the rhythmic chapters and harmonic migrations as pillars to a musical Parthenon. And all of it imbued with soulful passion. Isn't this the greatest concerto ever?

17:33-17:45 - QUEEN of two-handed trills.

I didn't understand or necessarily liked this concerto first few times I heard it. But now I'm obsessed. There are so many beautiful moments and it's just grand! Yuja is the greatest and what an orchestra!

The wonderful principal cellist who gave a heart-melting solo performance in the third movement is Floris Mijnders. The remarkable concertmaster is Lorenz Nasturica-Herschcowici. This must be the first time I've seen Yuja Wang give a hug to the concertmaster :-)

With every composition I hear Yuja Wang play I find myself lost for words to describe her own level of Genius. She is creating a whole new world of Music. Pure Wonderment!

I've listened to this piece for 50 years, and I can tell you, that was something else. Perfect sense of rhythm, perfect dynamics and a fluidity that actually made me cry several times.

I would like to thank YouTube for the fantastic music they present for the music lovers .BRAVO.

Yuja makes all the world's classic music alive for more than several centuries.