In his native country, the Netherlands, Paul van Kempen is mainly remembered for the « van Kempen affair », a demonstration against his alleged compromising role during WW II. His discography was determined by the record companies: so, the fledging Philips label was producing a catalogue of standard works. If the DGG recording of Beethoven’s Piano Concertos with Wilhelm Kempff and the Berlin Philharmonic is famous, there are significant gaps in his discography when it comes to Mahler and Brahms. That’s why the performance of Mahler’s First Symphony with the RAI Orchestra of Turin is a welcome addition and a unique document, as well as the Second Brahms Piano Concerto with Kempff, in a compelling performance.