This is how it's done, folks

[orangesodaking]

The way they handle the transition from minor to major coming out of the cadenza in the third movement is fantastic, never heard better, and the way he handles the jump in tempo afterward to make it feel all the more triumphant is GENIUS. Wow. I have had this recording for a few months, listened to it countless times, and I still bawl my eyes out, chills shoot up my spine, I think I actually leave my body and enter a greater dimension every time I play this recording all the way through.

[perfect_pitch]

Well... after listening to the whole thing - I'll admit... It's okay.

But I think in terms of Brahms 1st Piano Concerto - for me Stephen Kovacevich plays it the best.

Primarily because he takes it to a tempo where it sounds both triumphant, but without playing it too fast and rushed.