Fritz Kreisler: Violin Sonatas

On this CD:

1. Sonata for violin & piano No. 5 in F major ("Spring") Op. 24
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Fritz Kreisler, Franz Rupp

2. Sonata for violin & piano No. 9 in A major ("Kreutzer") Op. 47
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Fritz Kreisler, Franz Rupp

3. Sonata for violin & piano No. 10 in G major ("The Cockcrow") Op. 96
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Fritz Kreisler, Franz Rupp

4. Sonata for violin & piano No. 8 in G major, Op. 30/3
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Fritz Kreisler, Sergey Rachmaninov

5. Sonata for violin & piano in A major ("Duo"), D. 574 (Op. posth. 162)
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Fritz Kreisler, Sergey Rachmaninov

6. Sonata for violin & piano No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 45
Composed by Edvard Grieg
Performed by Fritz Kreisler, Sergey Rachmaninov

Tracks:

Carnival Of The Animals - Bruno Canino
Vocalise, Op.34 No.14 - Lynn Harrell
Thais - Julian Lloyd Webber
Adagio - Janos Starker
Apres Un Reve - Bruno Canino
Adagio - Julian Lloyd Webber
Ave Maria - Julian Lloyd Webber
Adagio - Julian Lloyd Webber
Traumerei (Dreaming) - Bruno Canino
Notturno: Andante - Julian Lloyd Webber
Sicilienne - Bruno Canino
An Die Musik, D547 - Bruno Canino
Reverie - Julian Lloyd Webber
Prayer - Bruno Canino
Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Bruno Canino
Salut D'amour, Op.12 - Bruno Canino
Valse Sentimentale, Op.15 No.6 - Samuel Sanders
Kol Nidrei, Op.47 - Julian Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

Air (Air On A G String) - Julian Lloyd Webber
Clair De Lune - Julian Lloyd Webber
Elegie, Op.24 - Jullian Lloyd Webber
Andante - Heinrich Schiff
Romance In D Minor, Op.62 - Julian Lloyd Webber
Beau Soir - Bruno Canino
Sicilienne, Op.78 - Bruno Canino
Panis Angelicus - Julian Lloyd Webber
Nocturne In E Flat Major, Op.9 No.2 - Julian Lloyd Webber
Cantabile - Samuel Sanders
Liebesleid - Samuel Sanders
Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Janos Starker
Bereuse - Julian Lloyd Webber
Cantilena - Julian Lloyd Webber
Melodie, Op.20 No.1 - Julian Lloyd Webber

Customer Reviews:

really like it.......2007-03-05

This is the first classical cd I have ever bought. The two-disc album was a great price. I really love the performance of Lynn Harrell. I like the collection of Adagios because they are perfect to fall asleep to or study to.

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A Viola Master In His Prime
Heartrending

William Primrose Collection Vol.2

Manufacturer: Doremi Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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William Primrose Collection, Vol.1
William Primrose Collection, Vol. 3
William Primrose Collection Vol. 4
Handel: Concerto in B/Walton: Viola Concerto/Williams: Flos Campi/Bach: Komm/Schubert: Litanei/Dvorak: Humoresque/Nev
The Early Recordings, Violin and Viola

ASIN: B00004KD3Q
Release Date: 2000-03-14

Tracks:

Son in f, Op.120 No.1: I. Allegro Appassionata - William Primrose/William Kapell
Son in f, Op.120 No.1: II. Andante Un Poco Adagio - William Primrose/William Kapell
Son in f, Op.120 No.1: III. Allegretto Grazioso - William Primrose/William Kapell
Son in f, Op.120 No.1: IV. Vivace - William Primrose/William Kapell
Son in E flat, Op.120 No.1: I. Allegro Amabile - William Primrose/Gerald Moore
Son in E flat, Op.120 No.1: II. Allegro Appassionato - William Primrose/Gerald Moore
Son in E flat, Op.120 No.1: III. Andante Con Moto - William Primrose/Gerald Moore
Son No.6 in A: I. Adagio Molto - William Primrose/Joseph Kahn
Son No.6 in A: III. Allegro Moderato - William Primrose/Joseph Kahn
Concert Hall Recordings: Armed Forces Radio Service: Caprice No.24 - William Primrose
Concert Hall Recordings: Armed Forces Radio Service: Policinelle - William Primrose
Concert Hall Recordings: Armed Forces Radio Service: I Dream Of Jeannie With The Light-Brown Hair - William Primrose
Concert Hall Recordings: Armed Forces Radio Service: Andante Cantabile Op.11 - William Primrose

Customer Reviews:

A Viola Master In His Prime.......2005-05-01

William Primrose (1904-1982) was arguably the greatest of all violists. These recordings demonstrate that his virtuosity went hand in hand with supreme musicianship. The major items here are the two Brahms Sonatas, originally written for clarinet but later arranged by the composer for viola and piano. #1 (recorded 1946) is with pianist William Kapell, while #2 (recorded 1937) is with Gerald Moore. The transfers here are superior to Pearl's (both sonatas) and RCA's Kapell Edition (#1 only). I prefer these bolder performances to Primrose's later accounts with Rudolf Firkusny (Angel).

In #1 the tragically short-lived Kapell is a superb partner in a reading that is more dynamic and dramatic than any other I've heard. The sound here is warm and full. Moore is a fine accompanist in #2, which suffers a bit from its older sound.

The Boccherini Sonata #6 (1939, with Joseph Kahn) is a lovely work, and it's performed with great sensitivity and noble tone. The four encore items (from wartime Armed forces radio broadcasts) are delightful: a dazzling Paganini Caprice, Kreisler's Policinelle, an arrangement of Tchaikovsky's Andante Cantabile, and a gorgeously schmalzy rendition of Foster's "I dream of Jeannie with the light-brown hair."

I'm keeping this CD and weeding my other versions.

Highly recommended.

Heartrending.......2004-03-27

As a player and passionate fan of the viola, I can personally say that these are the most gorgeous pieces for solo viola I've heard. Wiliam Primrose is the king of the viola- his instrument sings like only a viola can on these recordings. If you love the rich, mellow sound of a viola, or are wondering what on earth a viola is, I highly recommend this recording. Either way, you won't be disappointed.

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Fantastic Fournier

Les Introuvables de Pierre Fournier

Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pierre Fournier: Aristocrat of the Cello [United Kingdom]
Bach: 6 Suiten für Violoncello solo
Beethoven: Complete Works for Cello & Piano
Shafran: Russian Archives
Lazar Berman Edition (Box Set)

ASIN: B0000241DO
Release Date: 2002-08-05

Tracks:

Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major, H. 7b Op. 101
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129
Phantasiestke (3 Fantasy Pieces) For Clarinet (Or Cello Or Violin) & Piano, Op
Variations On A Rococo Theme, For Cello & Orchestra (Or Cello & Piano) In A Majo
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 1 In F Major, Op. 5/1
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5/2
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102/1
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 5 In D Major, Op. 102/2
Sonata For Arpeggione & Piano In A Minor, D.821
Pieces For Children Big And Small For Piano, 4 Hands Op. 85
Feldeinsamkeit ("Ich Ruhe Still Im Hohen Gren Gras"), Song For Voice & Piano,
Romance For Cello & Piano, Op. 69
Shylock, Incidental Music And Suite For Tenor & Orch., Op. 57
Mavra, Opera Buffa In One Act
Nocturne For Violin (Or Flute) & Piano
Melody In F, Various Arrangements, Op. 3/1
Introduction & Polonaise Brilliante For Cello & Piano In C Major, Op. 3
Song Without Words For Cello & Piano In D Major, Op. 109
Le Coq D'or (The Golden Cockerel; Zolotoy Petushok), Concert Suite For Orchestra
The Tale Of Tsar Saltan, Op. 57
Carnival Of The Animals, Zoological Fantasy For 2 Pianos & Ensemble
Berceuse, For Violin & Piano (Or Orchestra) In D Major, Op. 16
Tonadillas Al Estilo Antiguo, Songs (10) For Voice & Piano, H. 136
Goyescas (Serenata Goyesca; Dusk), For Piano, H. 63
La Gitana For Violin & Piano (After An 18th Century Arabo-Spanish Gypsy Song)
Papillon, For Cello & Piano, Op. 77
L' Enfant Prodigue, Sce Lyrique For Voices & Orchestra, L. 57
Pie En Forme De Habanera, For Solo Instrument & Keyboard (Arr.)
Kaddisch, Song For Voice & Piano (Modie Hraue No. 1)
O Mensch, Bewein' Dein' Sde Gross, Chorale Prelude For Organ (Orgel-Bhlein N
Herzlich Tut Mich Verlangen, Chorale Prelude For Organ, Bwv 727 (Bc K109)
Ich Ruf Zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ (I), Chorale Prelude For Organ (Orgel-Bhlein
Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland (I), Chorale Prelude For Organ (Orgel-Bhlein No. 1
Sonata For Cello & Continuo In C Major, G. 6 (Six Sonatas No. 2)

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Fournier.......2004-02-16

On this 4CD EMI Import, the great cellist Pierre Fournier performs a variety of orchestral and chamber recordings, recorded primarily in mono from the 1940s and early 50s. There are three orchestral works -- Haydn's 2nd Concerto (Kubelik/Philharmonia, 1951), Schumann's Concerto (Sargent/Philharmonia, 1956 in stereo), and Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations (Bigot/Lamoureux, 1941). Disc two, and half of disc three, contain Beethoven Cello Sonatas with the great Artur Schnabel, while the fourth disc features a variety of pieces, from Bach and Boccherini to Debussy and Ravel, with pianist Gerald Moore. I'm withholding a fifth star because the collection contains mostly historical recordings, though it certainly captures one of history's greatest cellists in his prime. With that being said, "Les Introuvables de Pierre Fournier" is a must buy for cello entusiasts.

Ludwig Van Beethoven: "Spring" and "Kreutzer" Violin Sonatas

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Beethoven's Spring and Kreutzer Sonatas

Ludwig Van Beethoven: "Spring" and "Kreutzer" Violin Sonatas

Manufacturer: Andante
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Legend: David Oistrakh [CD & DVD]
Milstein (4CD Set)
Bach: Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin
F. Chopin - 24 Etudes for Piano Op.10 , Op 25
Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Brahms: Double Concerto / Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter

ASIN: B00008V6VP
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 "Spring": I Allegro
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 "Spring": II Adagio molto espressivo
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 "Spring": III Scherzo: Allegro molto
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 "Spring": IV Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 "Spring": I Allegro
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 "Spring": II Adagio molto espressivo
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 "Spring": III Scherzo: Allegro molto
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 "Spring": IV Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 "Spring": I Allegro
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 "Spring": II Adagio molto espressivo
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 "Spring": III Scherzo: Allegro molto
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 "Spring": IV Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer": I Adagio sostenuto - Presto
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer": II Andante con variazioni
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer" III Finale: Presto
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer": I Adagio sostenuto - Presto
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer": II Andante con variazioni
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer": III Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer": I Adagio sostenuto - Presto
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer": II Andante con variazioni
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer": III Finale: Presto
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer": I Adagio sostenuto - Presto
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer": II Andante con variazioni
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer": III Finale: Presto

Album Description

This three-CD set showcases Beethoven's most famous Violin Sonatas in multiple performances by some of the 20th century's greatest violin/piano duos. A virtual master class in Golden Age interpretation, this collection features three performances of the "Spring" Sonata and four of the "Kreutzer" Sonata, ranging from Georg Kulenkampff and Wilhelm Kempff's "Kreutzer" in 1935 to Nathan Milstein and Arthur Balsam's "Spring" in 1950. The set also includes the celebrated 1940 "Kreutzer" performance at the Library of Congress by Joseph Szigeti and Bela Bartók. To recapture the magic of these performances for a new century, rare, pristine 78s were transferred and 24-bit digitally remastered using the state-of-the-art CAP 440 technique. The 112-page, three-language companion book features classic photos of the performers and evocative images of the composer, as well as an introduction by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tim Page, an insightful contextual essay by Jed Distler ("Reading Between the Musical Lines") and detailed artist biographies from The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.

Customer Reviews:

Beethoven's Spring and Kreutzer Sonatas.......2003-12-03

This 3-disc CD compilation features outstanding historical performances of Beethoven's two most widely-known sonatas for violin and piano: the "Spring" sonata and the "Kreutzer" sonata.
The recordings were remastered from old 78's and date from between 1935 and 1950. I think that performance style, especially on recordings, was more individualized among artists than is the case today. Recordings were more expensive to own and bulky to store. Retakes were difficult. Historical recordings tend to have a more spontaneous character, personal to the performer, where mistakes in an original take cannot simply be redone and covered over. There seems to be as well a great deal of heart and romanticism in these recordings which may be lost in modern performance styles.

Beethoven's sonata in F-major opus 24, the "Spring" sonata was published in 1801 and advertised at the time as a sonata for the piano with violin obligato. For all that, the work is well-balanced as between the two instruments. This is a flowing, lyrical work from Beethoven's first period and reminds the listener of Beethoven's ability to compose beautiful melody. The first movement consists of a lyrical, expansive initial theme followed by a second, energetic, theme which dips into the minor key. The second movement is a slow, reflective lyric, reminding me of Schubert, set over a piano accompanyment in broken chords. The third movement is a very short, rhythmically complex scherzo while the finale is a rondo with a singing theme reminiscent of the opening movement.

There are three performances of the "Spring" in this complilation: by Fritz Kreisler and Franz Rupp (1936), Szymon Goldberg and Lili Kraus (1936) and Nathan Milstein and Arthur Balsam (1950). It is a joy to hear these different performances and to compare the approaches of the artists to this music. The Milstein-Balsam performance is the closest of the three to contemporary style. But I was won over by the spontaneity and sweetness of Kreisler's violin in the first version, and by Lili Kraus' piano in the second version. In Kreisler-Rupp, the piano seems to take almost the role of accompanyment (contrary to the way Beethoven conceived the sonata) while in Goldberg-Kraus the two performers play as partners.

Beethoven's sonata in A-major, opus 47, the "Kreutzer" is a work surrounded by legend. Beethoven completed it in 1803 and dedicated the work to a violinist named Bridgetower, with whom Beethoven premiered the work. After Beethoven and Bridgetower had a falling-out, Beethoven rededicated the work to Kreutzer (1766-1831) a French virtuoso performer and a noted composer in his own right. Kreutzer never played the work which immortalized his name. Leo Tolstoy wrote a famous story, "The Kreutzer Sonata" which has since become inextricably linked with the music for which it is named.

This is virtuoso, flamboyant music dating from the beginning of Beethoven's second, "heroic" period. It is an expansive work in which both the piano and violin parts are showy and difficult. Beethoven's original title-page for the work describes it as in "a very concertante style, almost like a concerto." The first movement of this work, with its slow introduction for the violin in double and triple stops, its sweeping piano arpeggio which introduces the main portion of the movement, and the two contrasting themes of the movement with their development make a work for violin and piano like no other. There is great use of contrasts between loud, bravura passages for both instruments, long runs, striking pizzacato, and contrasting, intense quiet passages. The second movement is a florid set of variations which I think a fitting complement to the opening movement. The third movement is a lively, whirling and difficult tarantella that Beethoven appropriated from an earlier work he had planned.

There are four wonderful performances of the Kreutzer on this CD: Kreisler and Rupp (1936); Kulenkampff and Kempff (1935); Szigeti and Bartok (1940); and Busch and Serkin (1941). These recordings all differ among themselves and offer endless perspectives on this music. Again, I was struck by the sweetness and expressiveness of Kreisler's playing. But the collaborations between Szigeti and Bartok playing the piano at the Library of Congress and Busch and Serkin are classics in themselves. I have long been an admirer of Kempff's piano and enjoyed his performance here as well with Kulenkampff, a violinist I didn't know.

The CD comes with excellent program notes by Jed Distiller, helpful biographies of the performers, and interesting photos of Beethoven, the performers, and Kreutzer.

Tracks:

Vc Son No.1 in D, Op.12 No.1: I. Allegro Con Brio
Vc Son No.1 in D, Op.12 No.1: II. Andante Con Moto: Theme
Vc Son No.1 in D, Op.12 No.1: II. Andante Con Moto: Var I
Vc Son No.1 in D, Op.12 No.1: II. Andante Con Moto: Var II
Vc Son No.1 in D, Op.12 No.1: II. Andante Con Moto: Var III (Minore)
Vc Son No.1 in D, Op.12 No.1: II. Andante Con Moto: Var IV (Maggiore)
Vc Son No.1 in D, Op.12 No.1: III. Rondo: Allegro
Vc Son No.2 in A, Op.12 No.2: I. Allegro Vivace
Vc Son No.2 in A, Op.12 No.2: II. Andante, Piu Tosto Allegretto
Vc Son No.2 in A, Op.12 No.2: III. Allegro Piacevole
Vc Son No.3 in E flat, Op.12 No.3: I. Allegro Con Spirito
Vc Son No.3 in E flat, Op.12 No.3: II. Adagio Con Molt' Espressione
Vc Son No.3 in E flat, Op.12 No.3: III. Rondo: Allegro Molto
Vc Son No.10 in G, Op.96: I. Allegro Moderato
Vc Son No.10 in G, Op.96: II. Adagio Espressivo
Vc Son No.10 in G, Op.96: III. Scherzo: Allegro
Vc Son No.10 in G, Op.96: IV. Poco Allegretto

Kreisler Plays Beethoven Vol. 2: Violin Sonatas 4/6/7/8

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Kreisler Plays Beethoven Vol. 2: Violin Sonatas 4/6/7/8

Manufacturer: Biddulph Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004RGDB
Release Date: 2000-11-28

Tracks:

Vn Son No.4 in A, Op.23: I. Presto
Vn Son No.4 in A, Op.23: II. Andante Scherzoso, Piu Allegretto
Vn Son No.4 in A, Op.23: III. Allegro Molto
Vn Son No.6 in A, Op.30 No.1: I. Allegro
Vn Son No.6 in A, Op.30 No.1: II. Adagio Molto Espressivo
Vn Son No.6 in A, Op.30 No.1: III. Allegretto Con Var: Theme
Vn Son No.6 in A, Op.30 No.1: III. Allegretto Con Var: Var I
Vn Son No.6 in A, Op.30 No.1: III. Allegretto Con Var: Var II
Vn Son No.6 in A, Op.30 No.1: III. Allegretto Con Var: Var III
Vn Son No.6 in A, Op.30 No.1: III. Allegretto Con Var: Var IV
Vn Son No.6 in A, Op.30 No.1: III. Allegretto Con Var: Var V
Vn Son No.6 in A, Op.30 No.1: III. Allegretto Con Var: Var VI (Allegro, Ma Non Tanto)
Vn Son No.7 in c, Op.30 No.2: I. Allegro Con Brio
Vn Son No.7 in c, Op.30 No.2: II. Adagio Cantabile
Vn Son No.7 in c, Op.30 No.2: III. Scherzo: Allegro
Vn Son No.7 in c, Op.30 No.2: IV. Finale: Allegro - Presto
Vn Son No.8 in G, Op.30 No.3: I. Allegro Assai
Vn Son No.8 in G, Op.30 No.3: II. Tempo Di Minuetto, Ma Molto Moderato E Grazioso
Vn Son No.8 in G, Op.30 No.3: III. Allegro Vivace

Bach: Two Sonatas for Solo Violin; Violin Encores

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Excellent Renardy recordings from 1949 and 1950.

Bach: Two Sonatas for Solo Violin; Violin Encores

Manufacturer: Testament UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000089AQK
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Renardy recordings from 1949 and 1950........2004-10-31

Ossy Renardy was killed in a car accident in 1953 when he was only 33. However, his career as a concertizing violinist began when he was ony 13 (!), so he had the chance to make a fair number of recordings. The ones collected on this CD were made in England for Decca in 1949 and 1950. Together with his 1948 recording of the Brahms violin concerto with Charles Munch and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra (also for Decca, and available on amazon.com), these are probably his best.

The Bach sonatas in particular benefit from his clean, straightforward approach. He succeeds in being lyrical without being too sentimental or tempestuous, or drawing too much attention to his own virtuosity (fortunately, because his technical command is considerable but does not stand up to comparisons with Heifetz, Milstein or Oistrakh).

Violinists prize his records and it is easy to see why. They offer a refreshing change of pace from the agressive, high energy style evident on many more recent recordings of this music. However, if you want flawless technique, look elsewhere.