Beethoven: Violin Sonatas 9

For unprepared listeners, the Argerich/Kremer duo should come with a blood pressure warning. For others this sequel to their Eighties recordings of Beethoven's early sonatas is all they would hope for. The playing starts where others' spontaneity leaves off - a matter of temperament, not wilfulness. You know where you are within seconds of the Kreutzer's start. A massive thrust of the bow begins an intensely expressive line, a crashing piano chord adds grandeur of articulation and then the Presto is off on it's unstoppable run. Accent and attack, elemental drama rather than pace, distinguish die duo's way. In their extremes, she leads with the fiery precision, he with the soulful song. Rubato is generous, but does not cloy. In the G major Sonata, Op. 96, Kremer and Argerich have a very relaxed way with die opening theme, though the easing-in makes more sense given the moderation of eventual Allegro. In this sonata's Adagios, Argerich finds inward but full-toned sonorities and Kremer's line takes on a new, serene dimension. This is a very fine performance, while the Kreutzer is astonishing - a showpiece properly addressed. No comparisons: it has to be heard, but no mere room could contain this playing. (BBC Music Magazine)

180g Audiophile Virgin Vinyl

Double LP

Recording: Montreux, Auditorium Stravinski 3/1994

From the Original Master of Universal Music

Audiophile Analog Mastering by Sidney Claire Meyer at Emil Berliner Studios

Pressed at Optimal Media GmbH in Germany

First Time Ever on Vinyl

Gatefold Jacket with Obi Strip

Import

Musicians

Martha Argerich piano

Gidon Kremer violin

Selections

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Side 1:

Sonata for Piano and Violin no. 9 in A major 'Kreutzer'

I. Adagio sostenuto - Presto

Side 2:

II. Andante con Variazioni (I-IV)

Side 3:

III. Presto

Sonata for Piano and Violin no. 10 in G major

I. Allegro Moderato

Side 4:

II. Adagio espressivo

III. Scherzo. Allegro

IV. Poco Allegretto - Adagio espressivo - Tempo I - Allegro - Poco Adagio - Presto