Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 40 | Ludwig van Beethoven, Artur Rubinstein, ...

Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 40 | Ludwig van Beethoven, Artur Rubinstein, ... | Szeryng's Debut Recordings

classical music:

Rubinstein Collect...

	Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 40 Ludwig van Beethoven, Artur Rubinstein, ... RCA, 2001 average customer review:based on 3 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

Szeryng and Rubinstein are splendid partners in these Beethoven Violin Sonatas recorded in 1958 and 1961. Szeryng's handsome, varied tone, with its quick vibrato, was a fine foil for Rubinstein's equally varied keyboard touch and mastery of color. And with an outsized personality like Rubinstein at the piano, the instruments are true equals. Both artists often left the impression of underinterpreting masterpieces, perhaps because they never subordinated main musical lines to local detail. But they never ignored detail, either, as we hear in these sonatas, where numerous little felicities of tonal color and phrasing enliven the music. Best of the trio is the Sonata No.8, played with the requisite force encased in a velvet glove of glorious tone from both artists. The Spring Sonata could be slightly more vernal, but it and the somewhat generalized Kreutzer Sonata will give much pleasure even if they don't quite match the versions by Francescatti and Grumiaux, among others. RCA's transfers are the best these recordings have received, so if you admire these artists (and who doesn't?), don't hesitate. --Dan Davis

for more information click here

Superb Beethoven from Rubinstein and Szeryng

Arthur Rubinstein received his early training in a manner totally foreign to today's young students. His early teachers were Joseph Joachim (a close friend of Johannes Brahms) and Heinrich Barth. He was permitted by his teachers to give only occasional perfomances, required to attend numerous concerts, and played through the chamber repertoire with his fellow pupils. This is in contrast to the current generation which is consigned to the practice rooms of crowded conservatories (virtuoso factories, really) and bred to win competitions, often at the expense of true musical developement. As a result, Rubinstein was able to make the crossover between stunning virtuoso performances, and more intimate chamber music appearances.

Henryk Szeryng first performed with Rubinstein in the 1950s. Immediately, their musical chemistry evolved into friendship, and it is this atmosphere which suffuses all of their recorded performances. There is a give-and-take in these performances which recalls the great chamber music recordings by Kreisler and Rachmaninoff. One never gets the sense that Rubinstein and Szeryng are trying "one-up" each other, yet there is a greater virtuosity than one usually hears in these pieces. A special highlight is the Scherzo movement of the "Spring" Sonata, where Rubinstein and Szeryng handle the tricky syncopation with infectious aplomb.

The remastered sound is excellent in every respect, fully meeting the standards of the latest recordings.

for more information click here

Szeryng's Debut Recordings

Henryk Szeryng was one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century. But his budding career was interupted by WW II and for several years after that war he disappeared from the international concert scene and instead taught violin in Mexico City. Fortunately, he was discovered there by Rubinstein during one of his concert tours. After hearing Szeryng play, Rubinstein pronounced him to be one of the greatest violinists in the world (a highly accurate assessment) and arranged with RCA to record this set of sonatas to enable Szeryng to gain the exposure he so richly deserved. Quite frankly I have never been an ardent fan of Rubibstein's playing, but I am deeply grateful to him for having rescued this great violinist from undeserved obscurity. Apart from serving as Szeryng's recording debut on a major label, these performances are outstanding. On these performances, I am a Rubinstein fan; the collaboration between Szeryng and Rubinstein is almost intuitive and quite wonderful to hear. No matter what other recordings you may have of these sonatas, please treat yourself to these.

for more information click here

Superlative Chamber Music Making!

The noble beauty and artistic polish of Rubinstein's playing makes this recording far superior to the over-rated Perlman/Ashkenzazy Decca recording of these sonatas, Perlman too self-concious and Ashkenazy such a inspirationless pianist.

Very good stereo sound, beautifully remastered using latest technology. Highly recommendable alongside Oistrakh/Richter Philips recording.

Tracks
Allegro | Adagio molto espressivo | Scherzo, Allegro molto | Rondo, Allegro ma non troppo | Allegro assai | Tempo di Minuetto, ma molto moderato e grazioso | Allegro vivace | Adagio sostenuto - Presto | Andante con Variazioni | Finale, Presto

products you might be interested in

recommendations

The impeccable Henryk Szeryng
Rubinstein=Mastery