Violin Sonatas
Bartók's Violin Sonatas are among the greatest and most challenging of his works. Tetzlaff and Andsnes, an all-star collaboration, approach the music as though they were aware that these pieces are tough nuts for many listeners. They emphasize the lyrical aspects of the music and play as though they were attempting to make the music more accessible. This is not Bartók lite. The music still has plenty of bite and ferociousness, and the instrumental execution throughout (including Tetzlaff's playing of the Solo Sonata) is truly formidable. But the disc could provide an entry to a difficult area of Bartók's music for new listeners. Those looking for fiercer performances will seek out the classic Oistrakh-Richter version of the Sonata No. 1 and, if you can put up with the limited sound, Szigeti-Bartók for No. 2. The Naxos CD by Hungarians György Pauk and Jenö Jandó is also strikingly powerful and would make a good supplement to the Virgin Classics issue for those who believe that one version of a musical masterpiece is never enough.--Leslie Gerber