Johannes Brahms: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1-3

Editorial 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. --Ted Libbey

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.1 In G, Op.78: I: Vivace ma non troppo
Violin Sonata No.1 In G, Op.78: II: Adagio
Violin Sonata No.1 In G, Op.78: III: Allegro molto moderato
Violin Sonata No.2 In A, Op.100: I: Allegro amibile
Violin Sonata No.2 In A, Op.100: II: Andante tranquillo - Vivace
Violin Sonata No.2 In A, Op.100: II: Allegretto grazioso (quasi andante)
Violin Sonata No.3 In D Minor, Op.108: I: Allegro
Violin Sonata No.3 In D Minor, Op.108: II: Adagio
Violin Sonata No.3 In D Minor, Op.108: III: Un poco presto e con sentimento
Violin Sonata No.3 In D Minor, Op.108: IV: Presto agitato

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. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Brahms Violin Sonatas.......2007-01-11

Good but not top flight. This is an old recording--sounds a little tired.

these are really good sonatas.......2005-10-10

These three sonatas are in my opinion some of the best compositions of Brahms. They are wonderfully tunefull and each sets a distinct mood (although all three are somewhat melancholic). The interaction of the violin and piano is just fantastic and Perlman and Ashkenazy pull it off well. Sound quality is great as well.

Brahms.......2005-10-07

I bought this for my college age daughter's music class and I am enjoying it as well. Violin music, of any sort, is enjoyable to listen to and this one is a wonderful addition to a music library.

Finest Brahms.......2002-05-22

I've always enjoyed Brahms' chamber works more than his symphonies. Somehow his intent comes off more clearly; the desperation and anger and melancholy of the music is more exposed, as if juggling an entire orchestra in the composition could dull the edges of these emotions. Of course the quality of any piece is tied with the quality of the performers (who invariably stamp then with their own personalities), and here we have a brilliant union: Perlman and Ashkenazy play flawlessly. Perlman's tonality is clear and sonorous, but never treacly; it still maintains the edge that these pieces require. From the sweet lilting melodies of the first sonata to simmering violence of the third, it is a commanding performance. The piano part in these works is equally demanding, and Ashkenazy is more than a match for Perlman's virtuosity.

If you're looking for the third sonata specifically, Vengerov and Barenboim turn in a more stirring (but somewhat looser) performance on the Teldec label. I actually prefer that version as it's more intense, more intimate. But if you're looking for a complete collection of these wonderful sonatas, you simply can't go wrong with Perlman and Ashkenazy.

Perlman and Ashkenazy do it again.......2001-07-24

The combination of these two great artists continually results in some of the finest music making ever. The two seem to almost share a mind while performing so perfectly in tune with each other they come across. I don't think Brahms has ever sounded so beautiful and alive as this recording manages to sound.

Average customer rating:

ethereal tone and noble restraint
Beautiful music, beautifully presented
Time, waiting and poetry
Time, waiting and poetry
Great recording

Brahms: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1-3

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tchaikovsky, Sibelius: Violin Concertos - The Classic Sound / Chung, Previn

ASIN: B00000FDNE
Release Date: 1998-12-01

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No. 1 In G, Op. 78: I: Vivace ma non troppo
Violin Sonata No. 1 In G, Op. 78: II: Adagio
Violin Sonata No. 1 In G, Op. 78: III. Allegro molto moderato
Violin Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 100: I: Allegro amabile
Violin Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 100: II: Andante tranquillo - Vivace
Violin Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 100: III. Allegretto grazioso (quasi Andante)
Violin Sonata No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 108: I: Allegro
Violin Sonata No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 108: II: Adagio
Violin Sonata No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 108: III: Un poco presto e con sentimento
Violin Sonata No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 108: IV: Presto agitato

Amazon.com

There are many recordings of these three masterpieces of the sonata literature, but if two artists can communicate a personal response to them, another one is always welcome. This recording is certainly a valuable addition to the discography. Chung and Frankl have obviously thought carefully about the music and feel it strongly; their approach shows great respect for the composer's style and intentions as well as genuine emotional involvement. Equally at home with Brahms's classical austerity, romantic ardor and autumnal mellowness, they identify completely with the expansive, wistful lyricism of the first sonata; the gracious poetry and warmth of the second; the urgent, dramatic intensity of the third. They favor flowing tempi; long phrases; discreet, subtle liberties; simple, direct expressiveness. Balance and ensemble are excellent; both players are technically impeccable. Chung's tone is beautiful at all times; warm and radiant, it glows and shimmers. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

ethereal tone and noble restraint.......2007-07-01

I am fascinated by these lovely sonatas to an extent which frankly goes beyond enjoyment and borders on obsession! As a result I now have five different versions on CD. Here is an inevitably biased survey of those five versions.

Taking these in turn:

Osostowicz & Tomes - highly recommended by the generally reliable Penguin Guide, which is why I bought it, but I find this version rather anaemic and characterless and therefore, though probably technically excellent, strangely uninvolving. This could be due to the recording as much as the performance but either way this is not on my recommended list.

Chung & Frankl play at a leisurely tempo which follows the natural ebb and flow of the music and they are not afraid to let the music come to rest at times. Chung plays with her characteristic ethereal tone, warm but with a degree of noble restraint, achieving an effect which I find quite other-worldly and often very moving, for instance in the sublime closing moments of the third movement of the G major sonata.

Suk & Katchen - this is the oldest recording in my collection, dating from 1967 and frankly, even with all the digital remastering etc, it shows it. The playing is magnificent but for whatever reason on CD the tone of the violin is rather harsh and quickly becomes grating to my ear. Not on my recommended list despite its legendary status.

Zukerman & Barenboim - warm, expressive and relaxed playing from these two with plenty of vibrato in Zukerman's violin playing, more than on other versions reviewed here and rather more than is currently fashionable. No matter - if that's what you like there's plenty of it as their version comes in a 2CD pack with Brahms' viola sonatas also by Zukerman & Barenboim, also very enjoyably played, even if the music itself is not so sublime.

Mutter & Weissenberg - Mutter plays with great passion and vigour, and achieves a gorgeous tone from her violin which is rather forwardly recorded. The balance does favour Mutter over Weissenberg - a pity as Brahms writing for piano is very lovely and Weissenberg is a fine pianist. The duo are on the brisk side and sometimes they do pull the tempo around. There may be some justification for this - there certainly is an ebb and flow to the music and their approach works wonderfully in the closing flourish of the first movement of the G major sonata. If I'd never heard other versions these tempo choices might seem absolutely right and proper, but as it is I have and they don't. The whole third movement of the G major is played too fast for my liking, losing the wistful quality which underlies the music of these sonatas. Still very enjoyable as an overall package, a version that grows on one and I'm sure one could fall in love with, particularly if encountering these sonatas for the first time.

I can't really comment on the well-known Perlman & Ashkenazy version having only listened to sound samples. Though this is highly rated in the Penguin Guide, I probably won't get it as I was underwhelmed by their Spring & Kreutzer sonatas, also highly recommended in the PG. In any cases five versions is probably enough!

Having said that, I still have not found my ideal version and the more interpretations one listens to the clearer it becomes that there is no definitive version. Of the above five my favourite is currently Chung & Frankl and I doubt if anyone looking for one recording would be disappointed. Mutter & Weissenberg come a close second despite any reservations.

Beautiful music, beautifully presented.......2006-03-25

Brahms' wonderful violin sonatas have been played & recorded many times. No wonder he's one of the 3 B's! (with Beethoven & Bach). This particular recording is very rich in sound quality as well as technical skill. It's wonderful to listen to by itself, play as background music, or even (at least in parts) to meditate to. The two artists (Chung on violin & Frankl on piano) coordinate together well, presenting the music as an integrated whole. I like it even better than the Ashkenazi/Perlman version. The CD is a generous (& highly enjoyable) 67.58 minutes long & is one of the "EMI Classics."

Time, waiting and poetry.......2001-11-03

These days I see some young violinists prgram Brahms sonatas especially the G major for their recitals. Though their technique is generally superb, their musicality is not often times ripen to play these sonatas. Consequently, straight forward readings from the music make the sonatas sound simply boring. Chung's recording of the three sonatas is a prime example of what musical maturity can bring out of these poetic sonatas. Sometimes, waiting and growing up are more important than commercialism.

Time, waiting and poetry.......2001-11-03

These days I see some young violinists prgram Brahms sonatas especially the G major for their recitals. Though their technique is generally superb, their musicality is not often times ripen to play these sonatas. Chung's recording of the three sonatas is a prime example of what musical maturity can add to these poetic sonatas. Sometimes, waiting and growing up are more important than commercialism.

Great recording.......2000-06-25

I am fond of the performances by Kyung-Wha Chung and Peter Frankl, not least because they relax into the music, allowing it all the space it needs. Indeed, they even make one feel fond of the composer, which, great though he was, is not always easy. A fantastic CD. Edgardo

Average customer rating:

Yes, They Really Are THAT Good!
Brahms Sonatas : Goldsmithery
A thoughtful interpretation!

Brahms: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1-3

Manufacturer: Virgin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mendelssohn & Schumann: Violin Concertos - Renaud Capucon

ASIN: B0009PEYVC
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

I. Vivace Ma Non Troppo
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Molto Moderato
I. Allegro Amabile
II. Andante Tranquillo - Vivace
III. Allegretto Grazioso (Quasi Andante)
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Un Poco Presto E Con Sentimento
IV. Presto Agitato
Sonata FAE: Scherzo In C Minor

Customer Reviews:

Yes, They Really Are THAT Good!.......2006-11-21

I already owned several fine versions of these sonatas (Szeryng/Rubinstein, Spivakov/Rudy, Suk/Katchen) and have sampled a few not so likable ones (Perlman/Barenboim, Mutter/Weissenberg) but when I previewed a track from this one I was hooked. The approach of Capucon/Angelich is, dare I say, very much in the French idiom, which I wouldn't have thought could work so well for Brahms as with other composers. I was so very, very wrong.

These players take the pieces slower than anyone else I've heard. If you're looking fireworks/drama, go with the Suk/Katchen, it's terrific in a different way. Capucon's playing is thoughtful, reflective, and his tone is amazingly pure. Angelich brings to the foreground notes in the piano part that I didn't appreciate before. But what impresses me most is the ensemble playing. It turns out slowing things down a bit enhances each player's opportunities to react to what the other is doing. Unlike some more famous soloists who have tackled these works, these two really listen to one another.

Their technique is immaculate, as is the recorded sound. The kicker is that the CD clocks in at over 79 minutes and includes the showstopper Scherzo movement from the "Frei Aber Einsam" (F.A.E.) sonata, a collaborative work between Schumann, Brahms, and Dietrich where the young Brahms contributed this one movement. (Adelaide de Place's otherwise good booklet notes mischaracterize the FAE as a three-movement sonata, when in fact Schuman wrote two of its four movements).

Brahms Sonatas : Goldsmithery.......2006-08-14

Capuçon ( who I've seen playing , too , at Sala São Paulo Hall ) and Angelich are real goldsmithes !!!!
Impeccable interpretations and crystalline sound , in this recording .
Brahms violin & piano sonatas could not be better played ...................

A thoughtful interpretation!.......2005-10-13

I found this recording to be a fresh take on the three violin sontas of Brahms. Capuçon explores a wide range of dynamics, and the control of the violin tone is of the highest standard. His intonation is clean and pure! The best part about this cd is that both players have a great sence of chamber music, which they do not over shadow each other. This is a recording for every young college and conservatory violinist to purchase in order to gain a different musical interpretation on these "monsters of sonatas"!

Johannes Brahms: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1-3

Average customer rating:

Brahms Violin Sonatas
these are really good sonatas
Brahms
Finest Brahms
Perlman and Ashkenazy do it again

Johannes Brahms: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1-3

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mozart: The Violin Sonatas

ASIN: B000002ROA
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Vn Son No.1 in G, Op.78: I. Vivace ma non troppo
Vn Son No.1 in G, Op.78: II. Adagio
Vn Son No.1 in G, Op.78: III. Allegro molto moderato
Vn Son No.2 in A, Op.100: I. Allegro amabile
Vn Son No.2 in A, Op.100: II. Andante tranquillo-Vivace
Vn Son No.2 in A, Op.100: III. Allegretto grazioso (quasi andante)
Vn Son No.3 in d, Op.108: I. Allegro
Vn Son No.3 in d, Op.108: II. Adagio
Vn Son No.3 in d, Op.108: III. Un poco presto e con sentimento
Vn Son No.3 in d, Op.108: IV. Presto agitato

Amazon.com essential recording

Customer Reviews:

Brahms Violin Sonatas.......2007-01-11

Good but not top flight. This is an old recording--sounds a little tired.

these are really good sonatas.......2005-10-10

Brahms.......2005-10-07

I bought this for my college age daughter's music class and I am enjoying it as well. Violin music, of any sort, is enjoyable to listen to and this one is a wonderful addition to a music library.

Finest Brahms.......2002-05-22

Perlman and Ashkenazy do it again.......2001-07-24

Brahms: Sonatas for Violin & Piano Nos. 1-3

Average customer rating:

Brahms: Sonatas for Violin & Piano Nos. 1-3

Manufacturer: Innov. Music Prod.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000TIF
Release Date: 1993-09-11

Tracks:

Son No.1 in G, Op.78, 1st Movt: Vivace Ma Non Troppo
Son No.1 in G, Op.78, 2nd Movt: Adagio
Son No.1 in G, Op.78, 3rd Movt: Allegro Molto Moderato
Son No.2 in A, Op.100, 1st Movt: Allegro Amabile
Son No.2 in A, Op.100, 2nd Movt: Andante Tranquillo-Vivace
Son No.2 in A, Op.100, 3rd Movt: Allegretto Grazioso
Son No.3 in d, Op.108, 1st Movt: Allegro
Son No.3 in d, Op.108, 2nd Movt: Adagio - Nobu Wakabayashi/Kathron Sturrock N
Son No.3 in d, Op.108, 3rd Movt: Un Poco Presto E Con Sentimento
Son No.3 in d, Op.108, 4th Movt: Priesto Agitato

Brahms: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1-3, Piano Trio No.1, Violin Concerto in D Major Op.

Average customer rating:

* * * 1/2 Nice mainstream performances in great sound

Brahms: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1-3, Piano Trio No.1, Violin Concerto in D Major Op.
Mullova , Andreszewski , Previn , Schiff , Abbado , and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Piano Quintet in F Min / Complete String Quartets (1, 2, 3)

ASIN: B000E0W23O
Release Date: 2005-02-06

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.1 In G Major Op.78
Violin Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.100
Violin Sonata No.3 In D Minor. Op.108
Piano Trio No.1 In B Major. Op.8
Violin Concerto In D Major, Op.77

Customer Reviews:

* * * 1/2 Nice mainstream performances in great sound.......2007-01-20

If you'd like a relatively inexpensive introduction to Brahms' violin music, all in good sound, these two CDs may be the ticket. Viktoria Mullova is a superb violinist--my admiration for her continues to grow as my admiration for Anne-Sophie Mutter continues to decline given her recent showboaty antics. In many of these recordings her partner is Piotr Anderszewski--a superb and fascinating pianist in his own right. (Hear his Diabelli Variations to see why.) In the sonatas, they acquit themselves well, though I miss the white hot intensity of Richter/Oistrakh or the spontaneity and effortlessness of Katchen and Suk, for example. Still, these are fine performances, and often Anderszewski does take some surprising turns that work very well. I wouldn't make this my first choice, and there are no obvious stand-out moments, but it's also hard to pick at. I'd say my biggest problem is a certain anonymity, a casual blandness. There are better performances, but as I said, if you want them all under one roof in excellent sound, this may be the way to go.

The Piano Trio with Previn and Schiff is "uber-lusch" Brahms: maybe too lush for some, but I enjoyed it. When you see Previn is at the piano, you know what to expect, and that's what you get here: forget accents, briskness, or wide dynamics. This is a comfly armchair you sink into, an embrace; it warmly cradles you. With Previn's Romantic inclinations, they explore rubato as I feel they might not had he not been present. And Schiff is always a joy to hear even if he's just tuning up.

The violin concerto is a live performance with Abbado and the Berlin PO. Immediately I dug out my favorite contemporary performance, also the the BPO--Karajan and Mutter--for a comparison. This is Mutter before she became mannered. Here she plays with a fire, and HvK conducts with a granite-like majesty, that Mullova and Abbado lack. Again M is a little too anonymous, and Abbado draws the accompaniment out a bit, letting the tension sag at times. There are some joys--the interesting and varied way sthey handle her violin intro in the first movement, like a fantasy. But I wanted more tension in the development, more longing in the slow movement, more joy in the finale, more tempestuousness in the development section of the first movement. There are times when I found my concentration being taxed--there isn't the dramatic inevitablity from moment to moment as there are in the greatest readings (Menuhin/Furtwangler, Szegeti/Harty, Oistrakh/Klemperer, the aforementioned Mutter/Karajan). Also, the violin has a rather strong echo out the right channel that gives it a certain artificial quality at times, at least to my ear. That fact kept distracting me from the performance.

In short these are very nice performances, but maybe a little too neat at times. It's hard to go wrong, if you want these all in one slimline case at a good price in very good sound, but if you're pickier and don't mind historic performances in some cases you can do better. I'd buy this for the overview, then supplement the pieces I really like with the other performances I mentioned. Over all these days, people simply play and conduct Brahms too "nice." The old man wasn't always nice. He was blustery and furious and passionate. Performers today seem to be forgetting that.

Average customer rating:

"Amoyal and Chiu are outstanding"

Brahms: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1-3

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005U8I1
Release Date: 2002-01-08

Customer Reviews:

"Amoyal and Chiu are outstanding".......2003-11-10

Amoyal and Chiu's sensitive ensemble give-and-take beautifully, projecting the G major sonata's lyricism, especially in the stark first-movement recapitulation and throughout the slow movement. The balance of the ensemble is marvelous, and Chiu makes the piano part important by shaping with dynamics and phrasing. This recording is definitely on my list of must haves!!!

Average customer rating:

Brhams: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1-3
De Vito
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0007INZP2
Release Date: 2005-03-28

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.1 In G Major. Op.78 1st Movement: Vivace Ma Non Troppo
Violin Sonata No.1 In G Major. Op.78 2nd Movement: Adagio
Violin Sonata No.1 In G Major. Op.78 3rd Movement: Allegro Molto Moderato
Violin Sonata No.2 In A Major. Op.100 1st Movement: Allegro Amabile
Violin Sonata No.2 In A Major. Op.100 2nd Movement: Andante Tranquillo
Violin Sonata No.2 In A Major. Op.100 3rd Movement: Allegretto Grazioso
Violin Sonata No.3 In D Monor. Op.108 1st Movement: Allegro
Violin Sonata No.3 In D Monor. Op.108 2nd Movement: Adagio
Violin Sonata No.3 In D Monor. Op.108 3rd Movement: Un Poco Presto E Sentimento
Violin Sonata No.3 In D Monor. Op.108 4th Movement: Presto Agitato

Average customer rating:

The Best I've Heard (So Far)

Brahms: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1-3

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Brahms: The Violin Sonatas

ASIN: B000002A8W
Release Date: 1996-04-09

Tracks:

Sonata No. 1 For Violin And Piano In G Major, Op. 78: I Vivace ma non troppo
Sonata No. 1 For Violin And Piano In G Major, Op. 78: II Adagio
Sonata No. 1 For Violin And Piano In G Major, Op. 78: III Allegro molto moderato
Sonata No. 2 For Violin And Piano In A minor, Op. 100: I Allegro amabile
Sonata No. 2 For Violin And Piano In A minor, Op. 100: II Andante tranquilo - Vivace di piu
Sonata No. 2 For Violin And Piano In A minor, Op. 100: III Allegretto gracioso (quasi Andante)
Sonata No. 3 For Violin And Piano In D Minor, Op. 108: I Allegro
Sonata No. 3 For Violin And Piano In D Minor, Op. 108: II Adagio
Sonata No. 3 For Violin And Piano In D Minor, Op. 108: III Un poco presto e con sentimento
Sonata No. 3 For Violin And Piano In D Minor, Op. 108: IV Presto agitato

Customer Reviews:

The Best I've Heard (So Far).......2007-03-20

I must say that I'm not in general a big Issac Stern-as-a-soloist fan (although his trio work with Leonard Rose and Eugen Istomen are by far the most spirited performances around) I feel that this recording of a relatively young Issac Stern playing the three Brahms sonatas is perfection itself. Clear, clean---the vibrato is just right. I've never heard better (and this includes my favorite--Henryk Szeryng). And for the price....what's the question?