SearchsearchUseruser

Franck, Debussy, Schumann - Schwarzberg, Argerich

Franck, Debussy, Schumann - Schwarzberg, Argerich

Avanti  1023-2

Stereo/Multichannel Hybrid

Classical - Chamber


Franck: Sonata for Violin & Piano in A, Debussy: Sonata for Violin & Piano in G minor, Schumann: Fantasiestucke Op. 73

Dora Schwarzberg (violin)
Martha Argerich (piano)

Support this site by purchasing from these vendors using the paid links below.
As an Amazon Associate HRAudio.net earns from qualifying purchases.

amazon.ca
amazon.co.uk
amazon.com
amazon.com.au
amazon.de
amazon.es
amazon.fr
amazon.it
bol.com
 
jpc
Presto

Add to your wish list | library

 

4 of 5 recommend this, would you recommend it?  yes | no

All
show
Recording
show
hide
DSD recording
Reviews (1)
show
hide

Review by John Broggio - July 30, 2006

This disc has provoked very mixed reactions in me. At the same time that I celebrate Argerich's stupendous contribution, I curse the more rough and ready response of Schwarzberg & an appalling "contribution" from the editing team.

Compared to the Avie disc Brahms / Franck / Schumann: Violin Sonatas - Turku/Chernyavska, Schwarzberg has a much more cavalier sounding approach to sound production. Perhaps the best example of this is in the finale of the Franck sonata where Schwarzberg's bow seems to have grit all over whereas Turku is all honey and sweetness. There are also more frenetic moments in the Franck where Schwarzberg loses her cool and some of the notes are approximated. Despite this, the Franck is a volatile and exciting account which, apart from one excruciating moment (see below), I enjoyed. Argerich is, as ever, a tremendous pianist without overwhelming Schwarzberg and quite upstages Turku's accompanist.

The Debussy is more satisfying as Schwarzberg seems to be in better command of her bow and her left hand. Again, Argerich is in complete command and fortunately the music is less challenging on the whole for Schwarzberg. The Schumann perhaps comes of best here and is an account I would happily return to on many occasions. Both Schwarzberg & Argerich cope well with the transition from composer to composer but Schwarzberg for the first time on this disc sounds "at home". If only her level of musicianship had been of this level throughout the remainder of the recital...

The booklet gives great emphasis to the friendship of Argerich & Schwarzberg and one can't help but feel that Argerich might have been a bit more critical and demanding with someone who was less close to her. Ultimately, unlike most great chamber recordings, one doesn't feel as though as the two protaganists are on an equal footing, musically or technically. Ideally, Avanti would have chosen less taxing repertoire for Schwarzberg or a better violinist.

The major flaw in this disc (sadly present on all layers) is the sound of someone (I don't care to presume who contributed this) letting out a sound not unlike a tennis players grunt! This occurs at 3'45-3'50 in the finale of the Franck sonata and will prevent me from returning to this account with any sense of pleasure. The remainder of the sound is well balanced and presented nicely in MCH with a pleasing feeling of ambience - this is not dry unlike some studio recordings.

For both performance & sound I can't honestly sum up the disc by using the ratings system, so I won't!

In summary: a great display from Argerich who is mainly adequately served by Schwarzberg but both are greatly let down by the editors - why on earth did no-one hear the "grunt"? Argerich's legion of admirers can go ahead but you've been warned...

Copyright © 2006 John Broggio and HRAudio.net