CARL FRIEDBERG (1872-1955)
German pianist

Carl Friedberg is the first male pianist I have come across whose recorded performances of the piano music of Brahms and Schumann may well reflect authenticity from his having benefited from a close association with Brahms and Clara Schumann,  He was a pupil of Clara's, in all likelihood her most accomplished, and became an intimate of Brahms who had attended and was very impressed by a recital devoted to his music in 1893.  During the last three years of Brahms' life, the composer gave Carl Friedberg private coaching in the performance of most of his works for piano.

His phrasing is stunning with long, expressive lines and his dynamic range is very impressive.  His technique, even in his seventies when these recordings were made, was amazingly supple, his timing impeccable, and his tone sings.

Carl Friedberg's performance of the Brahms second piano concerto at the age of 78 is an extraordinary document in that it is perhaps the only recording of a concerto played by a pianist who knew knew from  first hand experience how the composer wanted it played.

Of other composers we have a nocturne by Chopin, the performance of which is, to my ear, the most Schumanesque Chopin I have ever heard.  Interesting and strangely beautiful, but not at all the Chopin I have in my inner ear.  And the Mendelssohn Andante & Rondo Capriccioso played with all the beauty and delicacy one could hope for. 

Finally three piano rolls of music by Chopin, Schubert and Haydn which just don't do his playing justice.

Brahms Intermezzi, Op 76

recorded in 1953

3 in A♭ major