Johannes Brahms, Christian Kohn, and Silke-Thora Matthies make “16 Waltzes, Op. 39: Waltz 15” feel newly minted, even though the ink is long dry. In a feed full of disposable sounds, this one arrives with real poise and a sly grin.
The piano tone is clear and close, with crisp attack on the upper notes and a warm, rounded low end that never blurs. Four hands move like a well-dressed crowd on a too-small dance floor: neat, nimble, and just a little bit flirtatious.
Late-afternoon light, a clean desk, and a cup of coffee all suit it well. Brahms keeps the mood polished without getting stiff, which makes the piece easy to replay while the day gathers speed.
