Customer Reviews

Violin Sonatas 5 & 9

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Not so long ago, Zino Francescatti's rendition of the Beethoven violin concerto was regarded as absolutely the finest. His performances of the violin sonatas, with the august Robert Casadesus, are a monument to elegance and professionalism. There is consummate respect and balance betwen these exemplary performers: neither predominates. The sonatas absolutely shine with an inward light. I was not the critic who originally used the word "suave" to describe this set, but I adopt it here. Next to the bizarre antics of Gidon Kremer, these stand out as the classical standard - and not in the pejorative sense of quotidian. There is much excitment and richness in these recordings, which, like the best of George Szell, combine emotional satisfaction and classical restraint. I am not unmindful of the rich sound found in newer recordings, notably Ann-Sophie Mutter's set, in which she plays a Stradivarius on DGG discs. These performances sound very fine. More to the point, they feature the highest standard of musicianship. The Spring sonata is light and delicate; the Kreutzer both intellectually and aesthetically delightful. Even number 10 is so deftly rendered that one can understand why some violinists (e.g., Ms. Mutter) regard it as their favorite. I am so partial to Francescatti's version of all ten violin sonatas, which I got on LP years ago, that after considerable comparison, I hunted down the complete set on CD and obtained them from Europe. This CD is a fair representation of the best of the set, and remastered, it is a real bargain.

For me and many other people, there's only one reaction to Francescatti's violin playing: DEEP EMOTION! And "his" Beethoven sonatas are particularly intense, lyrical and expressive. Extremely lyrical and expressive, but with no languor or sluggishness. Listen to the Primavera's second movement and you'll see what I mean! His way of playing is a concentrate of emotion. Some people find his way of playing academic: if so, long live Academia. And his unity of intent with Casedesus is nothing short of amazing. In so many instances, either the violin is much better than the piano or, more often, the pianist is a giant and the other guy a dwarf: the balance here is magnificent. Believe me: if you don't know it, listen to it and buy it!

who cares if it is old fashioned? Casadesus and Francescatti gave in this recording the best performance I've ever heard of the Kreutzer Sonata. I am very biased to Francescatti's side, I cannot hide this, but Casadesus does his best to accompany him, and viceversa. It is a performance in which no player particularly overshadows the other one. At last, in case you're wondering, the recording is remastered, but the sound is like it was recorded yesterday.

This is my favorite duo sonata of any composer for any two instruments. These guys play it superbly.