Brahms - Violin Sonatas Nos. 1-3

Itzhak Perlman: violin
Vladimir Ashkenazy: piano

Lossless: Ape (img + cue + log) = 306 mb
Lossy: Mp3 (lame "preset standard") = 90 mb
Artwork @ 300dpi = 13 mb

Total playing time: 69:02

Recorded:
20-23.IV.1983
No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Released:
1998, EMI 7243 5 66893 2 9

Track listing:
1. Violin Sonata No.1 in G major Op.78, I. Vivace ma non troppo
2. Violin Sonata No.1 in G major Op.78, II. Adagio
3. Violin Sonata No.1 in G major Op.78, III. Allegro molto moderato
4. Violin Sonata No.2 in A major Op.100, I. Allegro amabile
5. Violin Sonata No.2 in A major Op.100, II. Andante tranquillo - Vivace
6. Violin Sonata No.2 in A major Op.100, III. Allegretto Grazioso (Quasi Andante)
7. Violin Sonata No,3 in D minor Op.108, I. Allegro
8. Violin Sonata No,3 in D minor Op.108, II. Adagio
9. Violin Sonata No,3 in D minor Op.108, III. Un poco presto e con sentimento
10. Violin Sonata No,3 in D minor Op.108, IV. Presto agitato

Reviews:
Amazon.com 'essential recording'
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.

Gramophone (click to enlarge):

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