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Since Curzon made two further recordings of each of these pieces, this unearthing of 78s from 1945-46 wouldn't seem to be all that useful. And, in fact, as well as Neel conducts the Mozart, this recording must defer to Curzon's remakes--especially since the piano is underbalanced. But the Brahms has qualities not present in Curzon's better-known recordings. Jordá, whose career in San Francisco was destroyed by George Szell, creates a potent orchestral backdrop--ironically, more effective than in Curzon's stereo remake with Szell conducting. Curzon's playing is more reckless and powerful than in his stereo version, and the slow movement is so eloquent, it moved me to tears. Despite slightly unclear sound (well transferred), this Brahms is memorable.
--Leslie Gerber
