Search - David Oistrakh :: Sonatas for Violin and Piano

A more relaxed & sublime reading

Alan Lekan | Boulder, CO | 08/09/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Many pairs have given us some fine readings of Beethoven's violin sonatas: Argerich/Kremer, Ashkenazy/Perlman, Grumiaux/Haskil, Szeryng/Haebler, Mutter/Orkis, Dumay/Pires, Pamela Frank/Claude Frank and others - each with their own style, color and insight. For a dazzling and spontaneous-sounding performance, Argerich/Kremer get high marks on a nice DG Beethoven Edition set which includes some great in-depth liner notes. Then, the romantic master, Perlman teams with Ashkenazy to give some of the most energetic, bold and satisfying readings - with that penetrating tone and showman style that is classic Perlman. Mutter and Orkis take a more daring, adventurous and romantic approach in their live 1998 recordings on tour. And so on.



But, listening to the performances of Oistrakh/Obirin, you hear a different take on these violin sonatas - one of more serenity, lyricism and really gentleness. What is notable about these readings is a consistent pace and more graceful tone to the music overall, conspicuosly lacking the more dramatic shifts in tempo and dynamics of other readings or that which one would nonrmally expect from Beethoven. Not to say this team does not fire it up in the scherzos and fast movements, but it is rarely done in an overly dramatic way or for effect. Also immediately heard is the ever-so beautiful and sweet tone of legendary violinist David Oistrakh which conveys a more tender side of Beethoven especially in the slower movements. Perhaps this duo's tonally-sensitive readings helps us remember that Beethoven also had a really gentle, loving inner nature and was equally adept at poinant lyricism as well as banging on the lower register of the keyboard. The tempos are overall a little slower, but highly poetic. Occassionally in some of the adagios, the tempo is so slow that forward progression seems to cease. But, this is the only minor drawback I see to this set and it depends on what nuances attracts you to the music. The sound quality is very good and completely enjoyable but not perfect given the 1962 recording date. Rightfully, ClassicsToday rated this set 8/10 for sound quality, but then gave it a top 10/10 for the Artistry category. Also on the positive side is its low price for a quality set of all 10 of the violin sonatas - some $20 lower than some others.



But, if I were to pick one complete set, my lean would be to either Kremer/Argerich (on DG's Beethoven Series) or Claude Frank/Pamela Frank, both who I think best bring out the passionate side of Beethoven but without losing the songful, tender side in the famous slow movements. The Franks' set possess tremendous musicality and is offered at a really super budget price - a suprizingly exceptional recording obscured by the greater giants. But the set that takes first place for sheer beauty of tone and lyricism is this one by Oistrakh/Obinin. And while they may lack a little of the fire and propulsion that is classic mid-late Beethoven`in the later sonatas, their set is probably the most admirable one if you lean more towards more the subtle and sublime. Perhaps Penguin Guide best sums up the story here: "The 1962 versions by Oistrakh and Obirin are also performances to treasure. There is a relaxed joy in the music-making and an almost effortless lyricism and an infectious sparkle. Some might feel a lack of inner tension, but it is a beautiful sound in every other aspect.""

This is the one you want

George J. Filip | Philadelphia, PA | 04/24/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of all the recordings of Beethoven's sonatas for violin and piano, this is the one that gets it right. The tone and clarity are perfect. The balance between the instruments is ideal. I've heard other more recent attempts in which the violin is either too quiet or has too much reverb, or the piano is too loud or too soft, but this recording is an optimal blend of sound and performance. The texture is so immediate and real that you can almost feel the wood and ivory coming through your speakers. Maybe it's because it's a German recording, I don't know, but these artists are Beethoven reincarnated. I imagine that this is how the master would have wanted to hear it. It's simply beautiful."

Unparalelled

Scott68 | Columbus, Ohio United States | 01/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No one even came close to recording the Beethoven Sonatas as well as Oistrakh and Oborin, the two play as though they were one.While one can argue that the tempos may stray from Beethoven's markings, I dare you to try to find a recording more full of emotion and warmth and that is the most important element to me. Music means nothing if it has no feeling even if it is perfectly executed. The melodies soar like they should and Beethoven would have no choice but to smile if he heard these performances.It may be true that some or even many of Oistrakh's recordings do not sound unlike a performance in a tin can, that is simply not the case here. Fortunately for all of us, this set was reissued very recently."