As choral versions of the oft-recorded Liebeslieder Waltzes go, this one stands among the better all-around offerings, owing to the engaging performances and decent sound quality. This excellent chorus really knows its stuff–completely at home in the language of text and musical style. There’s inflection where it belongs and a knowing sense of phrasing. However, the clarity of words and inner lines, already a challenge because of Brahms’ often dense textures, is underwhelming. But this seems to be typical of all choral recordings of these songs, which originally were written with a vocal quartet in mind. Instead, as you listen you just become engrossed in the warm, agreeable sound of the voices and Brahms’ irresistible, happy, tuneful, harmonically delicious creations. The recording, made in a Berlin church, places chorus and piano at a point slightly more distant than an ideal concert hall seat, but otherwise the balance is true and consistent. For the four hand piano pieces, which come in the middle of the program, the perspective changes–without the chorus, the piano seems (or actually is) much closer, an effect that is somewhat jarring at first. The performances by Anthony and Joseph Paratore are suitably lively and earnest, but would benefit from a freer feel and less heavy-handed manner. Lighten up, guys!
