I have added two more violin recordings to my shelves, both sent by a good friend, and both featuring refurbished sound. Brahms three sonatas for violin and piano are played by Peter Csaba and Jean-François Heisser, recorded around twenty years ago and refurbished by Praga Digital. Mozart's five violin concertos were recorded by Arthur Grumiaux and Colin Davis with the LSO some sixty years ago, with the sound refurbished by Classical Music Reference Recording (CMRR). The sound in both Brahms and Mozart is thoroughly acceptable.
Peter Csaba confirms my admiration for the Czech school of violin playing, and the recording confirms my respect for the Czech recording companies (undoubtedly Supraphon). Csaba and Heisser are an admirable duo and do full justice to Brahms three works in lively interpretations that never drag the music out.
Arthur Grumiaux in Mozart is a natural, with his suave, elegant playing fitting Mozart like a glove. Colin Davis and the LSO give excellent support, with the original fine Philips sound coming over even better in the CMRR re-make. Good to have this evergreen classic recording given another sixty years of life.
Sadly, I find that Brahms is descending in my list of enjoyable composers. The more I immerse myself in the music of the 18th century, the more I appreciate clean lines and textures and the muted nature of any Sturm und Drang. I've never really loved Brahms' four symphonies, and I was dismayed to discover my lack of appreciation in his chamber music such as the three violin and piano sonatas. Just too much Schokolade mit Sahne for my taste. Johannes Brahms and Robert Schumann just seemed to love thick textures.
