Harmonia Mundi
2007
Schubert: Sonatas For Violin & Piano
About This Album
For some, the dry, vibrato-less tone of Andrew Manze's period violin and the light, crisp tone of Richard Egarr's fortepiano might seem too desiccated for Schubert's full-bodied early Romanticism. But for others these qualities will be virtues, removing from these youthful works the wide-toned, super-virtuoso approach of modern violinists and allowing the music's links with the classical period to shine through. Certainly none could complain of lack of commitment on the part of the players. Manze and Egarr seem to believe in Schubert as deeply they believe in Bach or Handel, and their performances here are full of felicities and insights. Manze and Egarr are above all concerned with the lyrical expanses of Schubert's melodies, which is not to say their performances aren't dramatic, light-footed, and exhilarating; they assuredly are. But especially in the central Andantes, Manze and Egarr are so sensitive to phrasing and so unswerving in their legato that they might as well be singers. While not for everyone, these performances are vibrant and invigorating. Harmonia Mundi's sound is close but, oddly, very reverberant. ~ James Leonard, All Music Guide
Track List

Sonatina For Violin & Piano In D Major, D. 384 (Op. Posth. 137/1)
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Sonatina For Violin & Piano In A Minor, D. 385 (Op. Posth. 137/2)
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Sonatina For Violin & Piano In G Minor, D. 408 (Op. Posth. 137/3)
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Sonata For Violin & Piano In A Major ("Duo"), D. 574 (Op. Posth. 162)
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