Disappointing recording
C. David Claris | Chapel Hill, NC | 10/30/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Grumiaux is an both an excellent pianist and one of the finest violinists of the 20th century. He won 1st prize in both instruments while at conservatory. Consequently, he accompanies himself in the Brahms and Mozart VERY WELL. Very nuanced, terrific "ensemble" within himself. He didn't have to do this, Clara Haskil was still alive and well, but I suppose he just wanted to try the experiment. Unfortunately the Philips engineers let him down because the only problem is the sound quality. The piano sounds like an upright that has been pushed against the wall; it has no presence. It is almost as if they played back the prerecorded piano track over speakers while he overdubbed the violin part. The violin on the other hand, is quite forward and present. Surely Philips (one of the great recording companies) could have done better than this sonically drab effort.
The Grieg sonata with pianist Hajdu is superb in every way."