I must agree with (the) classical dame...for me, particularly, the inexorable and thrilling drive of all musicians in the 2nd movement allegro - one of the few recorded renderings that is unabashedly and truly 'appasionato'. Yes, that achingly beautiful andante as well (Jules Eskin, later principal in Boston, persuasively leading the willing to the Nirvana that is the essence of the Brahmsian asymetrical, yet lyrical, line: the most beguiling hints and facets of melody without ever uttering the musical word - a mirror of the magic of the slow movement of his D minor concerto). Please forgive my indulgence, but I must amend my opinion in another comments section: the young Fleisher is the Warrior/Poet of BOTH of Brahm's masterpieces for piano and orchestra.

Regarding that 2nd movement, I'm especially staggered by the inexorable drive of the tempo - at once thrilling (Brahms, thrilling?) and beautiful (thank you, AW). Leave it to Fleisher, Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra to speak Brahms so eloquently, cogently and yes, beautifully.

You Are totally wrong!!! The Best Brahms piano concerto no 2 players Are really Sviatoslav Richter with The Paris Orchestra conductor Lorin Maazel!! Grigory Sokolov With The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra video KZfaq! Sokolov The Best piano sound Ever! Sokolov !The Best vital rhythmic vitalness! Sokolov The most Titanic ever! )