Brahms: Violin Sonatas No. 1-3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy [Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered]

Johannes Brahms (Composer), Itzhak Perlman (Performer), Vladimir Ashkenazy (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Itzhak Perlman, Vladimir Ashkenazy
• Composer: Johannes Brahms
• Audio CD (March 9, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: EMI Classics
• ASIN: B00000I7VT
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #125,289 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finest Brahms, May 21, 2002

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Michael Poole (Medway, MA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Brahms: Violin Sonatas No. 1-3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy (Audio CD)

I've always enjoyed Brahms' chamber works more than his symphonies. Somehow his intent comes off more clearly; the desperation and anger and melancholy of the music is more exposed, as if juggling an entire orchestra in the composition could dull the edges of these emotions. Of course the quality of any piece is tied with the quality of the performers (who invariably stamp then with their own personalities), and here we have a brilliant union: Perlman and Ashkenazy play flawlessly. Perlman's tonality is clear and sonorous, but never treacly; it still maintains the edge that these pieces require. From the sweet lilting melodies of the first sonata to simmering violence of the third, it is a commanding performance. The piano part in these works is equally demanding, and Ashkenazy is more than a match for Perlman's virtuosity.

If you're looking for the third sonata specifically, Vengerov and Barenboim turn in a more stirring (but somewhat looser) performance on the Teldec label. I actually prefer that version as it's more intense, more intimate. But if you're looking for a complete collection of these wonderful sonatas, you simply can't go wrong with Perlman and Ashkenazy.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting performance!, May 18, 2001

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Curtis Grindahl (San Anselmo, California USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Brahms: Violin Sonatas No. 1-3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy (Audio CD)

I'm a lover of fine music though I'd never present myself as an expert. I purchased this recording on the basis of the Amazon review and have been unable to get it off the carousel of my CD player. There is magic that happens between these two musicians that I feel honored to experience in my home. I can't imagine anyone performing these sonatas better. The music is hauntingly beautiful to me. It is so good, in fact, that I've searched out other pieces performed by Ashkenazy and Perlman and can also recommend their Decca Legendary performance of Beethoven's Kreutzer and Spring violin sonatas. I recommend both recordings without hesitation. Enjoy!

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perlman and Ashkenazy do it again, July 23, 2001

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Jeff Davis Maynor "Jeff" (Baton Rouge, LA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Brahms: Violin Sonatas No. 1-3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy (Audio CD)

The combination of these two great artists continually results in some of the finest music making ever. The two seem to almost share a mind while performing so perfectly in tune with each other they come across. I don't think Brahms has ever sounded so beautiful and alive as this recording manages to sound.