BRAHMS 21 Hungarian Dances. 16 Waltzes, Op 39 Jean-Francpis Heisser,

Marie-Jose phe Jude pfs Auvidis 0 V4892 (67 minutes: DDD)

Hungarian Dances — selected comparison: Matthies, Kahn WAX()) 8 553140

Flavoursome performances of the Hungarian Dances, but facing strong rivals

Many will count this an ideal coupling, and the warm, full-bodied recording centainly conveys a richly Brahmsian sound — although some may like less middle, more glitter. The playing can be described as affectionate, with impulsive moments. In the Hungarian Dances there is plenty of rubato and ample accelerandos, sometimes a little wilful, as in No 4 in F minor. But the spurts of energy in Nos 5 and 6 are agreeably sprightly, the playful Presto of No 12 is neatly managed, while the contrasting Andante gracioso of No 13 is delightful.

The mellower, more intimate approach to the Waltzes (which the character of the recording suits well) does not damp down the bright articulation of, for instance, the C sharp major (No 6) so that the following C sharp minor makes an agreeably languorous contrast. I liked, too, the strong impulse of No 14, which means that the most famous Waltz of all, which follows, makes a beguiling contrast.

In short, Jude and Heisser are a fine team and thoroughly at home in this repertoire. There is much to enjoy here, and yet that last ounce of sparkle and spontaneity which can make this music leap out of the speakers is not consistently present. There is also competition from the Matthies and Kan duo on Naxos, who offer the complete Hungarian Dances coupled with the first set of Liebeslieder Waltzes. Their disc costs far less and is in some respects even more winning.

Ivan March