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Great Recordings Of The Century - Brahms: Violin Sonatas nos 1 - 3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy
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Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0724356694521
Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
Label: EMI Classics
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: EMI Classics
Release Date: March 09, 1999
Studio: EMI Classics
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Editorial Review:
Itzhak Perlman is the greatest living exponent of the Romantic, sentimental style of violin playing. As in his reading of the Brahms concerto, he shows sovereign mastery in these accounts, which are characterized by intense emotion and heated expression (Perlman's warm vibrato and carefully placed portamentos quickly give him away), but are also gripping in the quiet, meditative pages. The first two sonatas' relationship to songs could easily be guessed from the way Perlman plays them in a single, seamless line, marked by soaring climaxes and tender, haunting pianissimos. The treatment sometimes does seem a bit premeditated, but it is so compelling as to sweep aside any criticism. In this 1983 recording (sonically superior to Perlman's later remake with pianist Daniel Barenboim, for Sony), the violin sounds slightly forward, though not unpleasantly so. Warm, supportive, lyrical playing from Vladmir Ashkenazy rounds out a marvelous offering. --Ted Libbey
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Good but not truly great, playing style is affected and overly sentimental
These are good performances, but are far from the greatest. Perlman is a fantastic violinist without question; he can play anything he wants to, and do it flawlessly. Just listen to him whip through Paganini's caprices like it's a walk in the park. Ashkenazy is a fine pianist and able collaborator, even if he isn't my favorite. However, this recording is a bit over-the-top in terms of the schmaltz-factor. The music is already sufficiently heartfelt, and does not require any additional help from the ... Read More
Rating:  - CD
Brahms Violin Sonatas with Perlman and Ashkenazy is totally wicked! One of the best recordings available. HIGHLY recommended!
Rating: - Difficult Choice
I have always preferred the Suk/Katchen rendering above all others. I've always enjoyed Perlman (and Ashkenazy, for that matter) until sometime around the mid 80's, when he drastically changed his playing style. But, somehow, I had never aquired this recording. I'm very glad that I finally did because it's pretty close to Suk's equal. You can't go wrong with either one (however, I think the Suk is now out of print), so my advice is to own both.
Rating: - Brahms Violin Sonatas at their Best!
I feel pity for any pianist who accompanies Mr. Perlman, regardless how famous s/he is. After one hears Mr. Perlman's violin talking, whispering, begging, pleading, crying, singing, and pouring passion and love, one wonders why any other musical instruments are really necessary. It is often said that a violin is like a human voice. Perhaps it is so. But, please tell me of any singers who can match, even remotely, the heavenly sound of Mr. Perlman's violin!
I listened to this recording several ... Read More
Rating: - A Great Recording of the Century
This is music-making of the highest order - the freedom and unanimity of interpretation you hear when two great musicians who love to play together take their time to work on details of tempo changes and phrasing. The performance is elegant, unhurried, Brahmsian; expressive but not sentimental.
It may be an artifact of older technology or maybe the recording engineer didn't get the balance right, but as another reviewer said, the violin sounds too loud. Ashkenazy plays with restraint when ... Read More
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