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9.7.05

Budget Picks, No. 2

available at Amazon
L. van Beethoven, Violin Sonatas 5 and 9, Vengerov et al.
These two are Beethoven’s most popular violin sonatas (perhaps because they have nicknames, rather than the other way around), and they must be had. This particular recording has – apart from very present sound – Maxim Vengerov to offer. In 1992 still at the beginning of his career, he was already endowed with all the facilities that made a great career possible. You’ll have to look elsewhere for particular pianistic insight or more intellectual readings, but in terms of sheer violin exuberance this is a splendid recording to have. Raw and vibrant, Vengerov takes the listener around all the corners and edges with élan. The playing time could be more generous, but at the budget price that’s not sufficient reason to resist.

Apex 68573890792

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