Reissues

Beethoven Sonatas for Cello & Piano

Erato 9029553487 (1959) 112:26 mins

The sound is restricted for modern ears, but János Starker and his regular pianist György Sebök play as one, and bring flow, depth and tonal variety to these masterpieces. ★★★★

Borodin String Quartets Nos 1 & 2

Alto ALC 1298 (1964) 65:51 mins

With complete homogeneity of ensemble, the Borodin Quartet bring out the innate Russian flavour of the music, and the famous Nocturne is all the more convincing in its unsentimental approach. ★★★★

David Oistrakh Encores for Violin

Works by Debussy, Suk, Tchaikovsky et al

Alto ALC 1357 (1954-72) 75:10 mins

Taken from a variety of sources, some of the older tracks sound less well, but can’t disguise

David Oistrakh’s mastery of the long melodic line, impeccable intonation and rhythmic subtlety. ★★★★

Henryk Szeryng in Recital – Violin Encores Works by Vitali, Tartini, Gluck et al

Biddulph Recordings LAW 022 (1959-62) 69:18 mins Full tone, even at the quietest dynamic, matchless virtuosity in Wieniawski, charm in Kreisler, and to hell with authenticity in Tartini’s Devil’s Trill: this is Henryk Szeryng at his most captivating. ★★★★★