I have yet to purchase any recordings of these great works, so it's about time. Any recommendations? I'm referring to the violin and piano sonatas, though I love that sonata for solo violin as well!
Oh, and let it be known, I like my Bartok rough! Absolutely no smoothing over :) :)
I have Tetzlaff and Andsnes and think it is pretty fantastic, but I don't know whether it will satisfy your final criterion ;D. But it's a superb recording.
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PAY50AY8L._AA240_.jpg)
--Bruce
I used to listen to an LP of Hyman Bress in these pieces which really struck a chord with me, and which certainly had the rough edges you describe. Nowadays I actually tend to go for the Naxos readings - (the Hungarians) Pauk and Jando (Pauk a noted Bartokian). The sonatas are coupled with Contrasts (w. Kalman Berkes); on another Naxos discs Pauk's reading of the solo violin sonata is coupled with the 44 duos. (Rounding off the Naxos discs nicely is Pauk's reading of the Violin Concerti)
Just one sonata here, but it's interesting anyway
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/a7/93/76bca2c008a044c099703010._AA240_.L.jpg)
Oistrakh recorded the 2; first with Frida Bauer and second with Richter. But they are on different CDs.
I like Kremer (Hungaroton), Tetzlaff, Faust (separate discs), and Mutter (#2). Edgy does not compute for me.
Isabelle Faust on Harmonia Mundi. Very excellent performances.
Sorry for the thread drift; but anyone liking these works should as a matter of urgency hear Enescus sonatas, eg this Hyperion Helios reissue:
(http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/CDH55103.jpg)
I seem to remember that the Bartokis available in a good performance by Pauk on Naxos as well as all the classics mentioned above.
I have the splendid version of Isaac Stern and Zakin.
Regarding the first Sonata, the recent version of Laurent Korcia and Bavouzet is more subtle and is included in a double CD with the Contrasts, the 2nd Violin Concerto and, above all, the best version I ever heard of the beautiful Sonata for solo violin.
Quote from: val on October 08, 2007, 03:20:11 AM
Regarding the first Sonata, the recent version of Laurent Korcia and Bavouzet is more subtle and is included in a double CD with the Contrasts, the 2nd Violin Concerto and, above all, the best version I ever heard of the beautiful Sonata for solo violin.
I agree with
Korcia. I forgot I had this. An excellent version (though I'm not really terribly fond of Bartok's violin muisc).
Quote from: erato on October 07, 2007, 01:57:39 AM
eg this Hyperion Helios reissue:
Never mind that. Anybody interested in Enescu should make an effort and track down the recordings made by the composer himself.
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on October 09, 2007, 06:45:30 AM
Never mind that. Anybody interested in Enescu should make an effort and track down the recordings made by the composer himself.
You're right, but did he actually record all his own sonatas? And if so, are they available? Enquiring and acquisitive types want to know!
Fact is, the search for ANY Enescu performances from his early days as a violinist is easier said than done. After three years and--ultimately--the great kindness of an online friend, I was able to get a copy of the old Philips set that included Enescu and Lipatti doing Enescu's suite #1 op.3 (excerpts), suite #2 op.10 (excerpts), sonata #3 op.25, sonata #2 op.6, suite #1 op.9, bourree from suite #2 for piano op.10--plus some piano stuff with Lipatti alone. But that's the extent of Enescu-does-Enescu that I've been able to find.
I did finally obtain a copy of the still-OOP Biddulph CD of Enescu's complete Columbia recordings (why didn't Biddulph reissue this during its recent renaissance?), though this doesn't include him doing his own works. I also have the Bach double concerto with Menuhin, the Chausson poeme, the later and widely-available recording of Bach sonatas and partitas, and a rather sad late live performance of the Beethoven concerto, though the less said about that the better.
And that's it.
Maybe someone else here (you, JdP? Harry Collier? Cheniston? others?) will reveal an Enescu treasure trove that's eluded me...I've heard rumors of some private and radio recordings, and one can always hope...but I haven't found much beyond what I've listed above.
Cheers,
Dirk
Quote from: dirkronk on October 09, 2007, 07:40:43 AM
Fact is, the search for ANY Enescu performances from his early days as a violinist is easier said than done. After three years and--ultimately--the great kindness of an online friend, I was able to get a copy of the old Philips set that included Enescu and Lipatti doing Enescu's suite #1 op.3 (excerpts), suite #2 op.10 (excerpts), sonata #3 op.25, sonata #2 op.6, suite #1 op.9, bourree from suite #2 for piano op.10--plus some piano stuff with Lipatti alone. But that's the extent of Enescu-does-Enescu that I've been able to find.
I did finally obtain a copy of the still-OOP Biddulph CD of Enescu's complete Columbia recordings (why didn't Biddulph reissue this during its recent renaissance?), though this doesn't include him doing his own works. I also have the Bach double concerto with Menuhin, the Chausson poeme, the later and widely-available recording of Bach sonatas and partitas, and a rather sad late live performance of the Beethoven concerto, though the less said about that the better.
And that's it.
Yes; that is, I believe, it. Someone sent me an "off-air" Beethoven violin concerto from around 1938. But the violinist was in Romania and the tape recorder seemed to be in Australia so even I, usually very tolerant, gave up pretty quickly. One of the very greatest violinists of the 20th century was caught only very briefly in his prime (around 1915-25).
Quote from: val on October 08, 2007, 03:20:11 AM
I have the splendid version of Isaac Stern and Zakin.
Ditto.
A hearty third for the Korcia/Bavouzet pairing.
QuoteJosquin des Prez
Never mind that. Anybody interested in Enescu should make an effort and track down the recordings made by the composer himself.
I agree with you. In special because Enescu's 3rd Violin Sonata is, to me, the best of the XX century.
It is curious but Enescu played Bartok Sonatas with the composer. In an occasion, both travelled ensemble by train to perform next day one of the Sonatas. Enescu didn't know the work. So, he studied the work that night, in the train, and next day he remembered everything and played it with Bartok, who was completely amazed. It has been said that Enescu had one of the most prodigious musical memories ever known.
This thread is going no where.
The Good-Music-Guide recommends ONLY the Robert Mann, which I've never seen. This particular article is pretty brutal against everyone else.
I have Josefowicz on Philips, nothing to compare it to.
Anyone?
Somewhere, I have a disc with Isaac Stern playing these . . . not sure I've yet listened to it, though . . . .
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 26, 2010, 08:04:07 AM
Somewhere, I have a disc with Isaac Stern playing these . . .
True; you agreed with val that it's a splendid recording.
This rather famous recording with Bartok and Szigeti is well worth having.
There's a story that Szigeti met Bartok off the boat when he moved to America and told him they were playing a concert in a few days. "What's the programme?" asked Bartok ""Oh," replied Szigeti, "Kreutzer, Debussy and a couple of your thngs."
And here it is.
Quote from: O Delvig on October 06, 2007, 01:31:04 PMOh, and let it be known, I like my Bartok rough!
Then you should probably avoid Bartok's recordings of his own music. He wasn't quite so rough.
As to good recordings of the sonatas, the Tetzlaff/Andsnes is superb but perhaps not rough enough. Jando/Pauk on Naxos is one of the better releases on that label, and well worth hearing. A bit on the rougher side, but not necessarily in the way you're looking for, is Denes Zsigmondy and Anneliesse Nisse on Klavier. And of course for the second sonata there is the above average rendition by Bartok and Szigeti in more than acceptable sound. My first choice for both works together nowadays is Tetzlaff/Andsnes.
Quote from: snyprrr on June 26, 2010, 07:26:14 AM
The Good-Music-Guide recommends ONLY the Robert Mann, which I've never seen.
The Mann recording is available at Bartok Records (http://www.bartokrecords.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=55) (scroll to the very bottom).
QuoteThis particular article is pretty brutal against everyone else.
The article would have to be pretty brutal indeed not to say anything good about Kremer/Argerich in sonata no.1 and Mutter/Orkis in no.2, both of whom are on the 'rough' side while maintaining lyrical equilibrium. I haven't heard Mann.
Quote from: Todd on June 26, 2010, 12:52:06 PM
Then you should probably avoid Bartok's recordings of his own music. He wasn't quite so rough.
Szigeti isn't slick.
As an aside, I notice Harry Collier posting earlier in this thread. Haven't seen him post in a very long time, anyone know if he's OK, or have contact with him?
Quote from: Peregrine on June 27, 2010, 01:26:29 AM
As an aside, I notice Harry Collier posting earlier in this thread. Haven't seen him post in a very long time, anyone know if he's OK, or have contact with him?
Did you send a PM?
Quote from: Mandryka on June 26, 2010, 10:12:28 PMSzigeti isn't slick.
I was referring to Bartok. Hence the use of the name Bartok.
I thought I had them, but I see my Mullova disc only includes #1. I'm thinking of supplementing with Mutter's recording, which is paired with something by Penderecki.
For me, Martha Argerich's renditions of the Bartok's violin & piano sonata No.1 - with Gidon Kremer (DG studio 1988 or EMI live 2006) and with Renaud Capuçon (EMI live 2007) - are very impressive examples of interpretative freedom and real artistry.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_czcoOhTYhxs/S2-ij3NJluI/AAAAAAAABWE/5OwSXjgDAbM/s320/barjavsonata.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/413CvofWdxL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://www.esounds.com/esounds/img/packshots/5099951833329-lf.jpg)
The sonata No.2 is always dominated by the magical fire of the Szigetti/Bartok's 1940 recital. And there are a number of other "classical" readings already mentioned.
But for those who venture to explore I would also recommend an "unexpected" live recording of Ferras and Barbizet (1960 INA).
(http://blog.chosun.com/web_file/blog/365/365/5/Paganini_Vn_con01_Dma_op6_Ferras54_INA052.jpg)
Quote from: dirkronk on October 09, 2007, 07:40:43 AM
Fact is, the search for ANY Enescu performances from his early days as a violinist is easier said than done. After three years and--ultimately--the great kindness of an online friend, I was able to get a copy of the old Philips set that included Enescu and Lipatti doing Enescu's suite #1 op.3 (excerpts), suite #2 op.10 (excerpts), sonata #3 op.25, sonata #2 op.6, suite #1 op.9, bourree from suite #2 for piano op.10--plus some piano stuff with Lipatti alone. But that's the extent of Enescu-does-Enescu that I've been able to find.
I did finally obtain a copy of the still-OOP Biddulph CD of Enescu's complete Columbia recordings (why didn't Biddulph reissue this during its recent renaissance?), though this doesn't include him doing his own works. I also have the Bach double concerto with Menuhin, the Chausson poeme, the later and widely-available recording of Bach sonatas and partitas, and a rather sad late live performance of the Beethoven concerto, though the less said about that the better.
And that's it.
Maybe someone else here (you, JdP? Harry Collier? Cheniston? others?) will reveal an Enescu treasure trove that's eluded me...I've heard rumors of some private and radio recordings, and one can always hope...but I haven't found much beyond what I've listed above.
Please forgive us if these comments are out of the topic. But as a fan and avid collector of Enesco's (too few) recordings, I would add some other rare recordings to those already mentioned - Beethoven's Kreutzer and Schumann's violin sonata No.2 (1952, Opus Kura OPK 7009). I believe the late live Beethoven concerto you refer is the one also issued by Biddulph - live 1949, Biddulph LAB 108 - which also includes Bach's violin concerto No.2 and the Fugue from Bach's violin G minor sonata.
As you said most of the Enesco's recordings were done too late, when his technique was not in its prime. But for those who are not too imprisioned by sound and intonation issues, the expressiveness and musical insight of Enescu may be an unique experience. And also very interesting are the few recordings of Enescu as a conductor. Any impressions ?
Quote from: ccar on June 27, 2010, 09:35:24 AMBut for those who venture to explore I would also recommend an "unexpected" live recording of Ferras and Barbizet (1960 INA).
(http://blog.chosun.com/web_file/blog/365/365/5/Paganini_Vn_con01_Dma_op6_Ferras54_INA052.jpg)
Now
that is an interesting looking recording. (As to Argerich, I dare say Volume III of her complete DG recordings will be out this year, which should make a cheap, easy way to gather her chamber recordings in one shot.)
Quote from: Scarpia on June 27, 2010, 08:24:00 AM
I thought I had them, but I see my Mullova disc only includes #1. I'm thinking of supplementing with Mutter's recording, which is paired with something by Penderecki.
Mutter's recording of the second sonata is coupled with Penderecki's violin concerto, though inexplicably the second sonata ISN'T listed on the disc's cover. >:(
But
Mullova, though, AFAIK, has never recorded the first sonata (at least commercially).
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on June 27, 2010, 06:11:51 PM
Mutter's recording of the second sonata is coupled with Penderecki's violin concerto, though inexplicably the second sonata ISN'T listed on the disc's cover. >:(
But Mullova, though, AFAIK, has never recorded the first sonata (at least commercially).
Yes, that is the disc currently in my shopping cart. You are correct about Mullova. The recording I was thinking of is the sonata for solo violin, not the sonata for violin and piano.
For what it's worth, I put in an order for the Tetzlaff recording.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PAY50AY8L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I have the Isaac Stern CD mentioned several times earlier on this thread. I listened to it intensively about a decade ago and think the performance is very average, with intonation issues on Stern's part. I also have the Isabelle Faust CD and think it is only slightly better than the Stern. Glad to hear about the Tetzlaff CD, which I will get when I begin to listen to these very interesting pieces again.
Has anyone heard the Mann CD here? I'm feeling tempted.
The Third Ear Guide really likes the Kremer recordings with Argerich (No. 1 on DG) and Maisenberg (No. 2). The latter is still available:
http://www.mdt.co.uk/MDTSite/product//2564693696.htm (http://www.mdt.co.uk/MDTSite/product//2564693696.htm)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51V9yC4Op8L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Quote from: Mandryka on June 26, 2010, 09:36:34 AM
This rather famous recording with Bartok and Szigeti is well worth having.
There's a story that Szigeti met Bartok off the boat when he moved to America and told him they were playing a concert in a few days. "What's the programme?" asked Bartok ""Oh," replied Szigeti, "Kreutzer, Debussy and a couple of your thngs."
And here it is.
I have the complete recordings of Bartok on piano, and i think the whole set is worth having. He may not have been the greatest virtuoso in existence, but his interpretations could be extremely penetrating.
Quote from: bhodges on October 06, 2007, 01:36:28 PM
I have Tetzlaff and Andsnes and think it is pretty fantastic, but I don't know whether it will satisfy your final criterion ;D. But it's a superb recording.
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PAY50AY8L._AA240_.jpg)
--Bruce
Seconded! This is a great recording, angular and intense.
Quote from: Brewski on October 06, 2007, 01:36:28 PM
I have Tetzlaff and Andsnes and think it is pretty fantastic, but I don't know whether it will satisfy your final criterion ;D. But it's a superb recording.
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PAY50AY8L._AA240_.jpg)
--Bruce
Looks like the consensus is... Tetzlaff!! Just ordered. How can it NOT be the shiznit?? Plus, thankfully, the Solo Sonata instead of Contrasts!!
I have Paul/Naxos, which, frankly, I can't see anything wrong with, but the music just doesn't do it for me, I dunno, maybe I don't like my spritely violin to be in such thorny places?? Hopefully Tetzlaff will remedy the situation.
Quote from: Scarpia on June 29, 2010, 06:32:11 AM
For what it's worth, I put in an order for the Tetzlaff recording.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PAY50AY8L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I just heard this! :o WOW!! Excellent, tight, crisp,... yes, pretty clean, but I am tempted to say nigh well perfect. Are the Kremer/HUNGAROTON VERY MUCH GRITTER? Woah, sorry,... This team is so very tight and good,...
Comparing with my looong held Naxos, wow, what a difference. Take the final mvmts. from both pieces. If you hadn't had heard the Virgin, the Naxos sounds fine, but as soon as you hear these guys,... splaaat! Also, the first mvmt. of No.1 is like night and day. Andsnes is the star here for me, though Tetzlaff is just as good. They just sooo work as a team, and play very crisp tempos. The Naxos recording melts by comparison: yes, this Virgin disc's sound is dark marine blue all the way! ;)
I have so wanted something to compare with Josefowicz/Philips in the Solo Sonata, because I had always thought there a problem with her tuning, or something, but, Tetzlaff backs up her side of the story. The two are very similar at first hearing, though Josefowicz has even more glorious sound. I was surprised how good she sounds next to Tetzlaff. She's the one taking faster speeds; Tetzlaff, however, yields nothing (he gets the nod in the finale), and both performances seem to be in the same ballpark. I've always wondered about Mullova vs Josefowicz here, both being on Philips. I imagine Faust in the same room too.
Tetzlaff and Andsnes are on fire, though, and, as a team, they are fierce. And, it is great to have the Solo Sonata instead of Contrasts (sorry Karl). Total Package Deal! 8)
ok, btw,... I never understood until today why I never cared for these pieces, but, the music is such, I think, that the way Jando and Pauk play it on Naxos, plus the... pretty good... sound, I dunno, it just has a dreary EasternEuropean sound to me, very much Shoenbergian or wotnot, purposefully ugly. But then I hear the Virgin, and woof, they are pretty much new pieces (like I said, especially the finales). I ALWAYS KNEW I WOULD,...again!,... i would find a compare to the Naxos. Perhaps I will also try Faust, or Mutter, or Kremer. As played by the Virgin team, these pieces are Hot Shot Rock nRoll/ Deep Purple type vechicles of virtuosity. No.1's jagged unorthodoxy shines in this performance.
I'm raving. Bravo! :-*
Yeah that's a desert island recording there. :)
Quote from: snyprrr on May 06, 2011, 09:30:20 PMTetzlaff and Andsnes are on fire, though, and, as a team, they are fierce. And, it is great to have the Solo Sonata instead of Contrasts (sorry Karl). Total Package Deal!
It is one of the better chamber discs of the last decade or so, that's for sure, and
the first choice for this repertoire. I think you're a bit hard on the Jando/Pauk recording; it's quite good, and even though this one eclipses it, the older recording is well worth hearing.
Quote from: Todd on May 07, 2011, 06:48:32 AM
It is one of the better chamber discs of the last decade or so, that's for sure, and the first choice for this repertoire. I think you're a bit hard on the Jando/Pauk recording; it's quite good, and even though this one eclipses it, the older recording is well worth hearing.
Old World Style, perhaps?
Quote from: snyprrr on June 26, 2010, 07:26:14 AM
I have Josefowicz on Philips, nothing to compare it to.
Anyone?
This is a violinist I've been listening to a lot, and so I did a search for her name and came up with you here. It's the solo sonata which I'm interested in. You know, I like what she does a lot because it's not too swaggering and extrovert and she somehow reveals structure.