Sonata A Kreutzer

ccar · December 20, 2009, 01:07:38 PM

" ... how can that first presto be played in a drawing-room among ladies in low-necked dresses? To hear that played, to clap a little, and then to eat ices and talk of the latest scandal? Such things should only be played on certain important significant occasions, and then only when certain actions answering to such music are wanted ... "
Leo Tolstoi - The Kreutzer Sonata

In complete sets or as isolated versions, there are so many wonderful interpretations of this master piece.
You may stick to your own favorite violinists or pianists, but we may also find some more unusual partners.

Some prefer the purists, others the virtuosi and others the poets. Usually the playing can be very beautiful but sometimes too correct and predictable. But more rarely you may be surprised by some unexpectedly free, wild, very individual readings - the ones that could really startle those Tolstoi's drawing-room ladies.

Mandryka · July 04, 2011, 10:15:41 PM

I'm trying to find that recording with Enescu and Chailley-Richez that is in the IP. Any ideas where it can be obtained at a reasonable price? It seems impossible to find except from extortionate amazon resellers. Or maybe someone could upload it -- it should be out of copyright.

There are a some of interesting ones which aren't in ccar's IP. There's Kraus/Goldberg (probably my favourite); Gilels/Kogan; Kulenkampff/Kempff; Szigetti/Bartok and a curiosity and conversation piece -- Gitlis/Argerich.

ccar · July 06, 2011, 04:27:22 PM

Quote from: Mandryka on July 04, 2011, 10:15:41 PM
I'm trying to find that recording with Enescu and Chailley-Richez that is in the IP. Any ideas where it can be obtained at a reasonable price? It seems impossible to find except from extortionate amazon resellers. Or maybe someone could upload it -- it should be out of copyright.
There are a some of interesting ones which aren't in ccar's IP. There's Kraus/Goldberg (probably my favourite); Gilels/Kogan; Kulenkampff/Kempff; Szigetti/Bartok and a curiosity and concersation piece -- Gitlis/Argerich.

Enesco / Chailley-Richez http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Opus%2BKura/OPK7009

As any really great musician, Gitlis is absolutely unique. In his artistry and in his character. I remember him saying, after an open air concert, how he loved playing and feeling the wind. Since then I always believe I can also feel the "wind" while he plays - in his musical drive, the constant freedom of his phrasing and in the richness of his tonal colors.
For me the Kreutzer performance by Gitlis and Argerich is much more than a curiosity. Like the Szigetti-Bartok or the Taschner-Gieseking, for instance, it's not for those who expect the "strict" reading of the score or some absolute respect for the immutable "intention" of the composer . They will certainly startle any drawing-room ladies but they may also help us to discover some of the most provocative but amazing listening experiences.

PS the Gitlis-Argerich performance of the Frank sonata, at the same Beppu Festival, is also wonderful.