Search - Kreisler, Rachmaninoff, Beethoven :: Sonatas

Kreisler at his best!

09/01/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These are probably some of Kreisler's best recordings. Unlikely pair with Rachmaninoff turned out to be a most happy one. Kreisler's vivacious, sunny quality blends beautifully with Rachmaninoff's robust, slavonic piano playing. Their recording of Beethoven #8 is lively and full of charm. The second movement (notoriously difficult movement to find the right tempo) is played with melting Viennese charm. The outer movements are dashing and Kreisler's magnificient trills are evident throughout. It is a performance that has never really been matched (Kreisler's later version with Franz Rupp was good, but not quite as well). Schubert is also excellent and only equalled by Arthur Grumiaux in the 1970's with Paul Crossley (yes, equalled, but NOT surpassed!) For me the very best of this disc is the Grieg. Without any reservation, this is my personal favorite sonata recording of all time. Just listen to the divinely beautiful second movement and one will see what I mean. What a pity they did not record together more! The recorded sound is good for its age (late 1920's), but who cares about that?! The performances are divine and that should be quite enough. Strongly recommended to anyone who loves great violin playing (and piano playing, for Rachmaninoff is just as formidable!). Enjoy!"