Brahms - Violin Sonata 1 [Perlman / Ashkenazy]
This set of the Brahms Violin Sonatas is what i would consider my 'touchstone' set, they're what i would judge all other sets by, and because i really do love these works, i've listened to a fair number of these discs, some have not moved me, and it can be hard to pinpoint why [Capucon / Angelich for instance], but right from listening to the first note here, there was this yes!, this is what Brahms is about, Perlman / Ashkenazy get to the core of it all, one of those sublime experiences where it all just comes together today.
Itzhak Perlman is an Israeli, but now resides in the United States, he is 65 years old, he made this recording back in 1983.
The first movement was just sublime, really hit me where i like being hit, Perlman / Ashkenazy play the very opening in more measured tones, it gives a degree of gravitas to the work, a sense of calm and repose, but the duo skillfully make sure they don't indulge this same speed throughout, and the movement takes on a greater tension, and Perlman can launch into a section, and pull it off with ease [1:34-1:53], and conjure up exactly what Brahms wants, and later do the same with a sour passage [2:34-3:01], the violin pizzicato section was a lovely inspiration for Brahms [3:31-3:54], with lots of varied notes, not just keeping rhythm for the piano, Brahms called this movement 'vivace', and with lots of passion, there really is a sparkling life here, that passion zooms into the violin treble [4:32+], and lots of virtuoso playing too [5:02-5:41], in one of the very best sections of this movement, it's a warm recording, and at times Ashkenazy's piano can seem blunted, i don't hear those sharp ringing treble notes, Brahms brings back the 'sweet & sour' section [7:33+ & 8:34+] to great effect, these are just some of the gorgeous beauties of just this one movement, full of rich inspiration from Brahms, and treated by Perlman / Ashkenazy to a superb interpretation.
Here's Itzhak perlman playing the first movement on YouTube.
