Beethoven: Violin Sonatas Nos. 6-8 / Kremer, Argerich
It takes two great musicians to do justice to Beethoven's duo Sonatas. Soloist plus accompanist doesn't work in this music, which makes equal technical and musical demands on both players--except in some of the earlier sonatas, where the piano has more work. With Gidon Kremer and Martha Argerich, we start out with the basic requirement and go on from there. Although these are studio recordings they have the fire and intensity of concerts, with wide dynamic and emotional range and gratifying attention to every musical detail. This is one of a series of three discs, one of the best sets of Beethoven's Violin Sonatas ever recorded.--Leslie Gerber