Beethoven: Kreutzer Sonata; Franck: Sonata

Martha Argerich (Artist), Itzhak Perlman (Artist), Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), Cesar Franck (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven, Cesar Franck
• Audio CD (November 2, 1999)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: EMI Classics
• ASIN: B00002CF0S
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #198,296 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

ARGERICH MARTHA / PERLMAN ITZHAK BEETHOVEN: KREUTZER / FRANCK: SONATA

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as expected..., December 22, 1999

By 

Trevor R Pearce - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beethoven: Kreutzer Sonata; Franck: Sonata (Audio CD)

I've always considered the Perlman-Ashkenazy "Kreutzer" the best on record. I don't really like Ashkenazy as a pianist, however, and looked forward to this release of Argerich recording the work with a decent violinist (i.e. not the thin-toned Kremer). Unfortunately Perlman's performance is not as polished as his earlier version with Ashkenazy...his chords are not as awe-inspiring and his tone is not as pure. Argerich does offer much more exciting pianism (in my opinion) than Ashkenazy though. So I'd still go for Ashkenazy-Perlman if you're finicky about perfect violin playing.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!, January 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Beethoven: Kreutzer Sonata; Franck: Sonata (Audio CD)

No wonder this recording has appeared on over 30 critics' top albums of 1999 lists. This live recording captures two magnificent artists at the top of their games. Perfection is for the studio -- this is gritty, great music making!

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Argerich is not at her best here, December 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Beethoven: Kreutzer Sonata; Franck: Sonata (Audio CD)

As the reviewers below suggested, Argerich is not at her best here, even though Perlman is not quite bad compared to his recent live performances where he tends to be absent minded/too much easy going.

If you would like to hear Argerich at her best in these masterpieces, try the following recordings:

Gidon Kremer(vl.) and Argerich (Beethoven) on DG, James Galway(fl.) and Argerich (Franck) on RCA, Mischa Maisky (Cel.) and Argerich (Franck) on EMI.

In every recording above, she sounds much more inspired and precise.

Argerich also recorded Franck with Ricci (vl.) on a minor label, but this is not recommended as Ricci sounds too brittle and shallow.