Beethoven: Violin Sonatas Nos. 5 - Spring, & 9 - Kreutzer
Itzhak Perlman and Vladimir Ashkenazy play both of these pieces with unflagging virtuosity and impressive energy, bringing symphonic grandeur and scale to their account of theKreutzer. The fingers and bow fly, yet Perlman never loses command of his tone. Recorded in 1973 and 1974, the readings are closely miked--so closely that one can literally hear the hair on Perlman's bow. The sound is weighty but clear, with excellent presence.--Ted Libbey