This
is a remarkable disc in many ways. The jaw-dropping rapport of
two men of genius, their musicality at one in the service of the
music makes for a powerful experience. The quality of Naxos’s
transfers (courtesy of Mark Obert-Thorn) helps one to concentrate
on the music itself.
The
two performances of Beethoven’s G major Sonata, Op. 30 No. 3 comprise
the officially authorised account and a what might be termed a
‘supplementary’ one constructed from sides which were approved
and kept as back-ups. Interesting to compare the two. The performance
of March 22nd, heard first on the present disc, is
positively dripping in character. Kreisler’s double stopping in
the second movement is in danger of stealing the show, if it were
not for the preternaturally together ensemble. Listening to Rachmaninov
negotiate the tricky piano part of the finale is a treat indeed.
It
is true that some passages in the second performance of this sonata
are not as together and the finale is a bit on the messy side
on occasion, but this actually adds to the spontaneous effect.
Whatever your preference, it is good to have the choice!
The
Schubert is an altogether calmer affair, the sweet song of Kreisler’s
violin lingering more in the memory than the occasional awkward
passage. Of all four movements, though, it is the third, the Andantino,
that receives a beautiful realisation in its depiction of Schubert’s
changing moods.
The
Grieg Third Violin Sonata is a marvellous work, difficult to bring
off in some ways. In particular, the Romanza should be expressive
but not indulgent. Kreisler and Rachmaninov, hardly surprisingly,
err on the side of nostalgia, but it is nevertheless truly effective
in this instance, borne along by the strength of the players’
belief in the composition itself. The finale is excitable – indeed,
almost manic. This is a wonderful performance, rounding off an
inspiring disc.
Colin
Clarke
see
also review by Leon
Bosch
Fritz Kreisler (violin);
Sergei Rachmaninov (piano)