Search - Ferras, Barbizet, Tortelier :: Beethoven: Works For Violin and Cello

Wonderful, unaffected Beethoven

William Atkerson | Missouri City, Texas USA | 11/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a professional violinist and I own several complete recordings of the Beethoven Violin Sonatas, and I've heard nearly all of them. My favorite recordings are this one and the Dumay-Pires recording on DG. What I really enjoy about both is the apparent joy of discovery that is projected throughout the performances, as though the players are discovering the music for the first time. Clear-headed, straightforward, sensitive to Beethoven's directions, and an equality of violin and piano that is not often found. This is joyful music, and these two recordings confirm that.



There are some issues that may affect your decision to purchase this recording by Christian Ferras:



1. It's monaural -- although seemingly, according to the dates on the back, recorded in 1959, they are not stereo.

2. The recording ambiance is rather dry. This can be a good thing, however, as the instruments actually sound like they're in the same room playing together. Barbizet, who was Ferras' regular accompanist, is terrific.

3. My biggest disappointment is also about the sound: Ferras' tone is somewhat "thin" which is contrary to his usual big, bold, extrovert sound. I can only attribute this to the recording itself.



I've not said anything about Tortelier's Beethoven Cello Sonatas, which are also wonderful. Frankly, maybe because I'm a violinist, I haven't been nearly as big a fan of the Cello Sonatas. Yet here they are in outstanding, full, and, again, joyful performances AND in stereo.



Highly Recommended.



Bill Atkerson, Houston"