It would not be surprising if the Schumann violin sonatas seem like unfamiliar or even unknown pieces of music. They are unjustifiably a much less-highlighted segment of the composer's oeuvre. If an introduction to these three sonatas is needed, one could hardly do better than this recording of violinist Jennifer Koh and pianist Reiko Uchida. Both artists offer technically superb performances. Koh's playing sports magnificently accurate intonation, a dazzling breadth of tone color and dynamics, and a richly refined sound. ...
Read More
It would not be surprising if the Schumann violin sonatas seem like unfamiliar or even unknown pieces of music. They are unjustifiably a much less-highlighted segment of the composer's oeuvre. If an introduction to these three sonatas is needed, one could hardly do better than this recording of violinist Jennifer Koh and pianist Reiko Uchida. Both artists offer technically superb performances. Koh's playing sports magnificently accurate intonation, a dazzling breadth of tone color and dynamics, and a richly refined sound. Uchida's performance is equally clean, sparkling, and technically masterful. Despite their plentiful skills as technicians at their individual instruments, there is no shortage of sensitivity, elegance, and true musicianship. Their recorded sound is everything that could be hoped for -- wonderful balance throughout, limited reverberation, and a presence that gives the impression that the listener is sitting on the edge of the stage as the performance takes place. The three sonatas...
Read Less