Brilliant violin sonatas on Brilliant Classics

Brilliant Classics has certainly struck gold with these two artists. This Brahms set is every bit as good as their complete Beethoven Sonatas (also on Brilliant - see below). Gorgeously recorded, with warmth and immediacy, this duo has a natural flair of bringing out every ounce of passion and fire, yet also such freshness - as if discovering the music anew. I have gained much pleasure listening to this team in both this Brahms and their Beethoven set. A highlight of both being naturally flowing tempos (yet full of passion) and natural recorded sound. It simply doesn't get much better.
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For their Beethoven set, I'd like to comment on the somewhat dissenting views to be found in the reviews section on Amazon as regards to recorded sound. But first, let me state that these are extremely fine performances - certainly equal to that heard on the companion Brahms disc - and certainly a breath of fresh air after so many routine recordings from the "big names". They are superbly played, with immaculate ensemble and unanimity of interpretation. These are fresh, energetic and thoroughly musical and stylish performances. Tempos are on the quick side, nicely flowing in the slow movements too. Just perfect.

As to the sound, others have suggested it sounds a little too "analytical" and that the balance detrimentally favors the piano. Well, yes, the recording is very detailed - clear and clean - as opposed to overly smooth, warm and swampy, as if often the case. So if your sound-system is not high quality, or leans toward to bright, lean and edgie, then these might sound cold or analytical. They certainly do not on my system. In fact, there is a very satisfying ambiance and warmth to the recorded acoustic which brings much enjoyment and prevents the highly detailed sound from ever turning "cold" or "clinical".  

As to the balance, I find it just perfect - exactly what one hears in a live performance. There is no way the violin is going to sound as "big" or forward or prominent as a full-sized concert grand piano in real life in a real hall. Those who expect it to on CD have become accustomed to listening to recordings that are engineered to be that way, rather than hearing what the real thing sounds like in person. Those who prefer a less prominent piano presence might seek out recordings made with original instruments. The period fortepianos produce a much smaller, boxier sound that may allow the violin to seem louder. Or they may simply turn to any number of recordings from "mainstream" labels (such as Decca, DG, EMI, Warner, et al) to hear manufactured, spotlit balances. I find the balance on these CDs to be very natural and satisfactory. Brilliant has done an exceptional job with mic placement and I applaud them for refusing to highlight the violin in an unrealistic way. 

All that being said, not at any time do I find the violin "undernourished" or "under recorded" (as others have complained). The violin tone itself is just slightly on the bright side - exactly what a real life Stradivarius sounds like (and not unlike the tone Perlman produces on his recordings) but never thin or wiry by any means. I hear no reason for anyone to hesitate buying this set on recorded grounds. And as to the performances themselves, the interpretations are unsurpassed. This is a most rewarding and enjoyable set in every way. I highly recommend it, along with their Brahms sonatas, also for Brilliant.