Beethoven: Kreutzer, Spring Sonatas / Perlman, Ashkenazy

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Hands down, this is the recording to own of two of Beethoven's chamber music masterpieces, the Kreutzer and Spring Sonatas. It captures one of classical music's greatest duos--Vladimir Ashkenazy and Itzhak Perlman--at the height of their powers, and the results are glorious, made only better by a great digital remastering. The 1973 recording of the Kreutzer is filled with impassioned playing (particularly in the case of Perlman) and spot-on tonality. The first movement is unbelievably riveting in the duo's capable hands. Spring is slightly more restrained, but just as beautiful. Simply gorgeous. --Jason Verlinde

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.1 in D major, Op.12 No.1: l Allegro con brio
Violin Sonata No.1 in D major, Op.12 No.1: ll Tema con variazioni: Andante con moto
Violin Sonata No.1 in D major, Op.12 No.1: lll Rondo: Allegro
Violin Sonata No.2 in A major, Op.12 No.2: l Allegro viva
Violin Sonata No.2 in A major, Op.12 No.2: ll Andante, piu tosto allegretto
Violin Sonata No.2 in A major, Op.12 No.2: lll Allegro piacevolo
Violin Sonata No.3 in E flat major, Op.12 No.3: l Allegro con spirito
Violin Sonata No.3 in E flat major, Op.12 No.3: ll Adagio con molt'espressione
Violin Sonata No.3 in E flat major, Op.12 No.3: lll Rondo: Allegro molto

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: l Presto
Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: ll Andante scherzoso, piu allegretto
Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: lll Allegro molto
Violin Sonata No.6 in A major, Op.30 No.1: l Allegro
Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: ll Adagio molto espressivo
Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: lll Allegretto con variazioni
Violin Sonata No.8 in G major, Op.30 No.3: l Allegro assai
Violin Sonata No.8 in G major, Op.30 No.3: ll Tempo di minuetto, ma molto moderato e grazioso
Violin Sonata No.8 in G major, Op.30 No.3: lll Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.9 in A major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': l Adagio sostenuto-Presto-Adagio
Violin Sonata No.9 in A major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': ll Andante con variazioni
Violin Sonata No.9 in A major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': lll Finale: Presto
Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': l Allegro
Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': ll Adagio molto espr
Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': lll Scherzo & trio:
Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': lV Rondo: Allegro ma

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: l Allegro con brio
Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: ll Adagio cantabile
Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: lll Scherzo: Allegro
Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: lV Finale: Allegro
Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: l Allegro moderato
Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: ll Adagio espressivo
Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: lll Scherzo: Allegro
Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: lV Poco allegretto

Amazon.com essential recording

There are two really famous Beethoven violin sonatas, the Kreutzer and the Spring. The Kreutzer Sonata inspired the story by Leo Tolstoy, which in turn became the subject of Janácek's First String Quartet, so if you're into comparative studies in the arts, there's a thesis topic for you! The Spring Sonata was featured in Woody Allen's Love and Death, among other places. And perhaps most intriguingly of all, the scherzo of the late sonata, Op. 96, turns up quite clearly in the third movement of Mahler's Second Symphony. So you may already know more about this splendid music than you think. Why not take the plunge with these superb performances and get to know the sonatas at first hand? Just as there are two truly famous Mozart sonatas, there are also two sides to Itzhak Perlman's musical career--the flashy virtuoso and the considerate partner. Chamber-music recordings such as this feature Perlman in this second role, one that gets less attention than his other, more sensational, persona, but which for many listeners is even more musically rewarding. Ashkenazy, no mere accompanist, is very much involved in the proceedings, and the two musicians combine to produce one of the finest sets of Beethoven violin sonatas available as well as one of Perlman's very greatest recordings in any genre. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Incredible.......2005-04-03

Let me just start off by saying that this set is an absolute no brainer. What more could you ask for than amazing pieces such as the Beethoven Violin Sonatas performed by none other than Itzhak Perlman and Vladimir Ashkenazy, who are both GIANTS in the violin and piano worlds. These recordings are absolutely wonderful, and the performances are definitely what is expected from these incredible musicians, if not more. The sound quality is very good, even though the recording was converted from analog to digital. Highly recommended.

However, if you would like to only have the most famous, and the best, Beethoven Violin Sonatas, you can still get Perlman and Ashkenazy performing the Spring and Kreutzer Sonatas on a separate disc. It is obviously less expensive, because it is only one CD as opposed to four, even though this four CD set is relatively cheap.

Greatest cycle of the greatest violin sonatas ever.......2004-05-11

I agree that this is the greatest cycle of the greatest set of violin sonatas ever written. Gidon and Argerich are also good but Argerich doesn't articulate her notes clearly like Ashkenazy. You feel that Argerich is kind of "cheating" by skimming to lightly over some notes - whereas Beethoven needs to be played with a greater force. Ashkenazy provides just the right kind of Beethovenian playing.

This set also contains the greatest performance of the greatest violin sonata ever written - the Kreutzer - plus a highly delectable Spring sonata.

If you're not familiar with the rest of Beethoven's sonatas, you'll be surprised at how magnetic they are in the hands of musicians the likes of Ashkenazy and Perlman.

I cannot recommend this too highly. Enjoy.

Best complete set I know of.......2004-04-01

There are probably better-known recordings of the individual sonatas, but if you are looking for a consistently good collection from start to finish, this would be it, especially if you are familiar only with the Spring & Kreutzer sonatas. This is a collection that gets wonderfully intimate at times, and is a consistent delight to the listener. This is definitely a worthy addition to any collection.

Magnetic from start to finish!!.......2004-01-06

This classic set is magnetic from the first note to the last. If you haven't heard it, you haven't heard Beethoven's Violin Sonatas.

Two contemporary musical masters pay homage.......2002-08-08

Listen to this music if you want a searching, thoughtful dialog by the Great Brooder between two superb interpreters of their respective instruments....two instruments only, that manage to fill the room and the world completely.....
Listen with the best equipment you can justify, because this music alone justifies the technology- the access of which to the common man fulfills Beethoven's wildest, unnamed hope.

Beethoven: Violin Sonatas "Kreutzer" & "Spring"

Average customer rating:

The Amazing duo
great, great, great

Beethoven: Violin Sonatas "Kreutzer" & "Spring"

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Beethoven: Complete Music for Cello & Piano
Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Brahms: Double Concerto / Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter
Great Recordings Of The Century - Brahms: Violin Sonatas nos 1 - 3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy
Beethoven: Symphonien Nos. 5 & 7 / Kleiber, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Beethoven: Kreutzer, Spring Sonatas / Perlman, Ashkenazy

ASIN: B0000041P9
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.9 In A Major - Op. 47: I Adagio sostenuto - Presto - Adagio
Violin Sonata No.9 In A Major - Op. 47: II Andante con Variazioni
Violin Sonata No.9 In A Major - Op. 47: III Finale - Presto
Violin SonataNo. 5 In F Major Op. 24: I Allegro
Violin SonataNo. 5 In F Major Op. 24: II Adagio molto espressivo
Violin SonataNo. 5 In F Major Op. 24: III Scherzo & Trio - Allegro molto
Violin SonataNo. 5 In F Major Op. 24: IV Rondo - Allegro ma non troppo

Amazon.com

Itzhak Perlman and Vladimir Ashkenazy play both of these pieces with unflagging virtuosity and impressive energy, bringing symphonic grandeur and scale to their account of the Kreutzer. The fingers and bow fly, yet Perlman never loses command of his tone. Recorded in 1973 and 1974, the readings are closely miked--so closely that one can literally hear the hair on Perlman's bow. The sound is weighty but clear, with excellent presence. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

The Amazing duo.......2000-06-13

In the past i have listened to at least six different versions of the "Kreutzer" sonata. None of them compare to the performance given by the magical Ashkenazy/Perlman duo. After listening to this cd I would have to say that Itzhak Perlman is the best violinist in existance. He expresses his deepest emotions through his instrument. This shows, especially in the first movement. Ashkenazy and Perlman seem to work extraordinarily well together which is why I give this title five stars.

great, great, great.......1999-05-31

Expect a great recording of great music by a great violinist... this performance lives up to it.

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: Violin Sonatas "Kreutzer" & "Spring"

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Great Recordings Of The Century - Brahms: Violin Sonatas nos 1 - 3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy
Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 2; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell
Beethoven: The Complete String Trios
Dvorak: Piano Quintet, Op. 81/ String Quartet, Op. 51
Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 1; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell

ASIN: B000E6EGXC
Release Date: 2006-04-11

Tracks:

I. Adagio Sostenuto-Presto-Adagio
II. Andante Con Variazioni
III. Finale: Presto
I. Allegro
II. Adagio Molto Espressivo
III. Scherzo & Trio: Allegro Molto
IV. Rondo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo

Beethoven: Kreutzer, Spring Sonatas / Perlman, Ashkenazy

Average customer rating:

good content, bad record
Unbelievable
A Revelation
It really is that great
The finest recording....

Beethoven: Kreutzer, Spring Sonatas / Perlman, Ashkenazy

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Great Recordings Of The Century - Brahms: Violin Sonatas nos 1 - 3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy
Beethoven: Die Späten Klaviersonaten
Beethoven: Complete Music for Cello & Piano
Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Brahms: Double Concerto / Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter
Beethoven: Concerto for violin in D

ASIN: B00001IVOQ
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.9 In A Major, Op. 47: I. Adagio sostenuto - Presto - Adagio
Violin Sonata No.9 In A Major, Op. 47: II. Andante con variazioni
Violin Sonata No.9 In A Major, Op. 47: III. Finale: Presto
Violin Sonata No.5 In F Major, op. 24: I. Allegro
Violin Sonata No.5 In F Major, op. 24: II. Adagio molto expressivo
Violin Sonata No.5 In F Major, op. 24: III. Scherzo & Trio: Allegro molto
Violin Sonata No.5 In F Major, op. 24: IV. Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo

Amazon.com essential recording

Hands down, this is the recording to own of two of Beethoven's chamber music masterpieces, the Kreutzer and Spring Sonatas. It captures one of classical music's greatest duos--Vladimir Ashkenazy and Itzhak Perlman--at the height of their powers, and the results are glorious, made only better by a great digital remastering. The 1973 recording of the Kreutzer is filled with impassioned playing (particularly in the case of Perlman) and spot-on tonality. The first movement is unbelievably riveting in the duo's capable hands. Spring is slightly more restrained, but just as beautiful. Simply gorgeous. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

good content, bad record.......2006-01-04

the sound is not very clearly, yet the record is so far from nowadays, I recommend the BOX SET edition above this.

Unbelievable.......2005-08-14

The other posts are not exaggerating, this recording is that good. The level of passion and energy in the playing on this album places it as one of the great classical recordings ever. The Gideon Kremer and Martha Argerich recording isn't close. For some works, it's fun listening to a variety of recordings; that's not the case with the "Kreutzer." This album leaves you with no tolerance for other performances, which all seem anemic by comparison.

A Revelation.......2004-09-14

I could not say more than what other reviewers have said. This is a great recording of the millenium especially Perlman he has that "technique" that put him apart from his peers eg Maxim vengerov comes a close second to Perlman's skills. Its gratifying experience go on thrill yourself with the best music in the world.

It really is that great.......2004-03-26

The other reviewers here (at time of writing, they were all 5-stars) aren't exaggerating. I sing each movement of these sonatas impulsively and I cannot find opportunity for improvement in either the music or the performance.

This would be a good disc to give as a gift. I cannot imagine a negative response. This is the sublime, and it transcends petty stylistic considerations. There is no room for argument here.

The finest recording...........2003-06-19

Perlman ever made -- and I own a lot of them.

Music Review: