Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897)
Trio for Piano, Violin and Horn in E flat major, Op. 40 [31:47]
Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 in A major Op.100 [19:27]
Joseph Szigeti (violin)
John Barrow (horn)
Mieczyslaw Horszowski (piano)
rec. 24-27 March 1959, Fine Recording, New York. Stereo
FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR1940 [51:14]
Joseph Szigeti was in his sixties when these recordings were set down in 1959. Throughout this decade he’d begun to develop arthritis in his hands, resulting in a progressive deterioration in his playing and a loss of bloom to his sound. It’s noticeable that in his late recordings, tempi had started to become slower. In mitigation, however, his formidable intellect and musical expression remained intact, and his audiences continued to pack the venues in which he appeared.
The Horn Trio dates from 1865, the year Brahms’ mother died, and a sombre, elegiac quality hangs over the first and third movements. John Barrows has a rich bloom to his tone and responds to the lyricism and vigour in his attacks as called for. Regrettably, the opening movement is a little on the slow side, and lacks some momentum. In the Adagio mesto, the players make a sterling job of the passionate climax, and the gallop in the finale abounds with rhythmic energy and gusto.
The tempi adopted for the Violin Sonata conform more to the kind of approach encountered today. The Second Sonata’s generous lyricism, with long-spun melodies accounts for its immediate appeal, with an air of serenity permeating the score. Szigeti’s playing is radiant and warm-hearted, with rubato kept in check at all times. The quicksilver elements in the second movement are kept lithe and nimble, whilst in the finale, Szigeti brings a rich burnished tone. Horszowski proves a sympathetic partner.
The recordings derive from a very desirable stereo Mercury LP (SR-90210), and the copy used in the transfer sounds to be pristine. I must commend the remastering, which is excellent in every way. Philips released these performances on CD some years ago in Japan, but I’ve never been able to source a copy, such is its rarity. There are no notes with this Forgotten Records release.
Stephen Greenbank
