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DVD Description
Virtuoso violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter plays Brahms's violin sonatas.
Brahms wrote his first violin sonata in 1853, when he was just 20. Although Brahms himself was critical of his sonatas, they have become extremely popular and are considered by many to be amongst the most intense, emotionally penetrating works composed for the violin. On this Blu-ray recording, Grammy-winning violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter tackles the sonatas with pianist Lambert Orkis.
Brahms wrote his first violin sonata in 1853, when he was just 20. Although Brahms himself was critical of his sonatas, they have become extremely popular and are considered by many to be amongst the most intense, emotionally penetrating works composed for the violin. On this Blu-ray recording, Grammy-winning violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter tackles the sonatas with pianist Lambert Orkis.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
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Those who have seen and heard Anne-Sophie Mutter and Lambert Orkis's TV recordings of the Mozart violin sonatas will know that there is an increasingly close musical partnership between them that pays dividends for their audiences. Brahms demands much from both instrumentalists, and here Orkis has no qualms about letting his Steinway loose in true fortissimos, never putting a finger wrong. Mutter is never overwhelmed by the power of the piano, however. She obtains a gorgeously rich, smoothly controlled tone from her instrument, managing to avoid all the unmusical sounds that a violin in lesser hands can make.
The 3 Brahms sonatas are mature works, to my ears somewhat similar in overall, typically Brahmsian, feeling. Here they are played in order 2,1,3; the no.1 sonata is arguably the most popular, and from the outset we are given a reading of concentrated intensity, shorn of histrionics but nevertheless powerful when appropriate. The slow movement impresses me as improvisatory, both players musing together as one.
The well-known lullaby given as an encore is, after the sonatas, comparatively simple, but is treated with much care and affection. Mutter could well be gently crooning a child to sleep, with Orkis's restrained accompaniment.
The concert was recorded in the Bibliotheksaal Polling, (not a book in sight). Its elegantly painted walls and ceiling are tastefully lit and featured, with excellent direction that avoids lights/cameras in shot. There is visible, however, a cable strung across the balcony which I can only surmise has something to do with Mutter's microphone, which I cannot pick out. The piano has two obvious but not over-prominent stand mics near its open lid. Mutter herself is, as ever, timelessly elegant in a trademark strapless gown. Her expression is a little fierce and concentrated whilst playing, but her genuine smile lights up the room as she acknowledges applause. Orkis avoids any ostentation, just produces the music with an economy of physical effort.
The DTS-HD Master 5.0 sound is quite close, but entirely believable in a relatively small room. Frequency and dynamic range are beyond criticism; the rear channels are only noticeable during applause and the instruments stay front and centre. I personally would have preferred a little distancing and ambience, but what we have here is entirely appropriate to a chamber performance. PCM stereo is available as an option. There is no audience noise, just once or twice the faint sound of Orkis turning the page. If forced to find a point of criticism I believe I detected a slight hardening of the piano tone during a particularly loud passage, just once, and that could be my imagination.
I don't believe anyone will be disappointed with this issue, particularly considering the reasonable price at the time of my purchase.
The 3 Brahms sonatas are mature works, to my ears somewhat similar in overall, typically Brahmsian, feeling. Here they are played in order 2,1,3; the no.1 sonata is arguably the most popular, and from the outset we are given a reading of concentrated intensity, shorn of histrionics but nevertheless powerful when appropriate. The slow movement impresses me as improvisatory, both players musing together as one.
The well-known lullaby given as an encore is, after the sonatas, comparatively simple, but is treated with much care and affection. Mutter could well be gently crooning a child to sleep, with Orkis's restrained accompaniment.
The concert was recorded in the Bibliotheksaal Polling, (not a book in sight). Its elegantly painted walls and ceiling are tastefully lit and featured, with excellent direction that avoids lights/cameras in shot. There is visible, however, a cable strung across the balcony which I can only surmise has something to do with Mutter's microphone, which I cannot pick out. The piano has two obvious but not over-prominent stand mics near its open lid. Mutter herself is, as ever, timelessly elegant in a trademark strapless gown. Her expression is a little fierce and concentrated whilst playing, but her genuine smile lights up the room as she acknowledges applause. Orkis avoids any ostentation, just produces the music with an economy of physical effort.
The DTS-HD Master 5.0 sound is quite close, but entirely believable in a relatively small room. Frequency and dynamic range are beyond criticism; the rear channels are only noticeable during applause and the instruments stay front and centre. I personally would have preferred a little distancing and ambience, but what we have here is entirely appropriate to a chamber performance. PCM stereo is available as an option. There is no audience noise, just once or twice the faint sound of Orkis turning the page. If forced to find a point of criticism I believe I detected a slight hardening of the piano tone during a particularly loud passage, just once, and that could be my imagination.
I don't believe anyone will be disappointed with this issue, particularly considering the reasonable price at the time of my purchase.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
I don't think that Mutter's performance especially paired with Orkis needs any recommendation. It is alway exemplary. Among other things that we have here are excellent location, excellent sound recording and clear crystal picture. This is in complete contrast to the catastrophic picture in the Mozart sonatas. the camera tends to concentrate of Mutter's fiddling, frequenty from above which gives an interesting point of view. There are also extras where Mutter and Orkis discuss the sonatas musically and historically. Anyway I found nothing to complain about. Five stars for sure
A superb performance from Anne-Sophie. I must admit that I have loved her playing for a number of years, although in recent years her vibrato has become a bit too much like thick treacle. However, her performance of the Brahms sonatas has re-kindled my love for her playing. The Blu-Ray disc is an excellent production which adds to the overall performance and enjoyment. At £[] it must be the best buy of the year.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Irritating camera work shreds enjoyment; stay with the CD & come out...
As usual, name players and competent playing garner five stars as reviewers vote with their ears. This is the case here. Nothing unusual about that. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Ronald Haak
Boring
I just love Mutter and I'm a constant seeker for good quality recordings. This recording satisfies my search for good quality recordings. Read more
Published 20 months ago by F. Jensen
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