Beethoven: Complete Violin Sonatas 3 - nr 8, 9 "Kreutzer" & 10

Balsam, Artur, Fuchs, Joseph

8.111253

The third and final installment in the critically acclaimed first LP recording of the complete Beethoven Violin Sonatas made in the early 1950’s by Joseph Fuchs and Artur Balsam.

Born in New York in 1899, Fuchs was regarded by his colleagues as one of the most musically intelligent and perceptive violinists of his time. Having become the distinguished Concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, a fall was to bring about a loss in the use in his left-hand fingers, and only through an experimental operation was he able to play again. His return to the stage, after a long period of rehabilitation, brought about a change of career that now concentrated on solo work and teaching.
It was a highly successful combination, and an invitation by American Decca to place the Beethoven Violin Sonatas on the new format of vinyl disc brought a major contribution to the catalogue. Initially released in the US market, they afterwards appeared in Europe on the Brunswick label, and were at the time to set a performing benchmark. The final three sonatas are typical of his style, his honeyed tone creating long smooth phrases in playing of total refinement. A highly affectionate view of the Eighth, with its gracious Minuet, has never been surpassed, but the ‘Kreutzer’ is heavily compromised by intonation problems that beset the fast moving variations of the second movement, and you can feel Balsam fitting the accompaniment around this rhythmic unease.
That radiant final sonata brings the piano to the fore, Balsam confirming his distinguished Beethoven credentials, Fuchs happy when musically dancing around the piano part. The sound quality in the ‘Kreutzer’ tends to match the uneasy performance, but moves to a higher level for the final sonata, the transfers made from original pressings of outstanding quality. • David Denton, David's Review Corner, November 2008

CD x 1

Naxos

2008-09-08

747313325320