COMPOSERS: Elgar/Vaughan Williams/Walton
LABELS: EMI
WORKS: Violin Sonatas
PERFORMER: Yehudi Menuhin (vln), Louis Kentner, Hephzibah Menuhin (pf)
CATALOGUE NO: CDM 5 66122 2 ADD mono/ stereo (1950/79)
Menuhin has a special feeling for Elgar, and this 1978 recording of the Violin Sonata results from a finely conceived breadth of expression. However, because his intonation is not perfect, the sweep of invention is occasionally undermined. The little-known Vaughan Williams Sonata (1954) is played with real commitment, and Hephzibah Menuhin’s contribution is especially praiseworthy. The Walton Sonata was written for Menuhin, and though the 1950 recording is inevitably lacking in bloom, there is no doubting the commanding interpretation. Terry Barfoot
Elgar/Vaughan Williams/Walton
Menuhin has a special feeling for Elgar, and this 1978 recording of the Violin Sonata results from a finely conceived breadth of expression. However, because his intonation is not perfect, the sweep of invention is occasionally undermined. The little-known Vaughan Williams Sonata (1954) is played with real commitment, and Hephzibah Menuhin’s contribution is especially praiseworthy. The Walton Sonata was written for Menuhin, and though the 1950 recording is inevitably lacking in bloom, there is no doubting the commanding interpretation. Terry Barfoot
Our rating
3
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:33 pm