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Anne-Sophie Mutter - Beethoven's Complete Violin SonatasRating:
Release Date: 16 July, 2002 Retail Price: $39.98 OUR Price: $35.99 You SAVE: $3.99! Cast: |
Anne-Sophie Mutter - Beethoven's Complete Violin Sonatas Reviews
Technique and Virtuosity taking the spotlight away from the music
As someone who has worked with Lambert Orkis, I can say with some authority that he is unequivocally a genius in the art of accompaniment, and a true wizard at the piano. I have rarely felt such rapport with a pianist, the sort of rapport that effortlessly creates the atmosphere that I would try very hard (and often vainly) to create with a lesser pianist. Without a doubt, I have never felt such masterful support in whatever sonata is at hand. Accordingly, it is no suprise that Orkis's playing is impeccable in these sonatas, and truly a wonderful complement to any violinist who knows his/her stuff.
The violinist, in this case, is Anne-Sophie Mutter, who hardly needs an introduction and whose provenance in proven, especially in her earlier years.
Which is why, I suppose, this DVD is so surprising...
The fact of the matter is that Anne-Sophie Mutter, although a fabulous violinist, seems to be using effects just for effects sake. A phenomenal technician, with an almost supernatural ability to "turn on a dime" with her pianist (going from a furious feel to one of calm within the space of a measure, an invaluable ability in Beethoven's music), her over-uses effects that simply have no place in the music (indeed, they are not even written in), and more importantly, are there only to highlight her abilities as a violinist and not the glory of the Beethoven sonatas. Her overuse of colors, turns, and other truly unnecessary effects in Beethoven's music amount to an insult of the music, as if it is not able to stand on its own merits. Of course, no one is arguing for a performance without feeling, but for someone with ASM's credentials to turn in a performance of this sort (especially when all the elements are there for a truly phenomenal music-making experience) is almost tragic.
With that said, this DVD remains a valuable resource for violinists. Anne-Sophie Mutter is without a doubt one of the world's most virutosic colorists. Even though she uses it to bad effect here, she remains a force to be reckoned with, and therefore deserving to be heard and observed, if only to learn from her technique.
Appealing Enough, But Could be Better Though
All things considered these DVDs not bad at all. The sound is excellent, so is the picture. Mutter's sound is mellow and beautiful and her technique is marvelous. The photography is good, whether it is angle of view or the violinist's dresses. But the effect of the many lines on her face is quite something-- at least giving us an impression that as though she was in great agony.
To be fair, the pianist paid too much attention to the violin compromising a bit. But he is not inspiring in any event. Lev Oborin maintained a better equilibrium even though it was Oistrakh that he was playing with. It was B/W though and they only played a few of the sonatas. Musically, Kempff (with Menuhin) did a much much better job , but that was available CD only.
Here it seems that Mutter was probing deeper into the music. One gets the feeling that she has digested some of Menuhin's way of expression though not completely- and that would not be desirable in any event. At one point or two, she might be overdoing things a bit and some notes do seem to live, at least they're not quite convincing enough. But that is rare and on the whole, these are very enjoyable perfomances. So unless you have some strong preference, these recitals are appealing enough for most if not all of the audiences.
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