Violin Forum/Message Board

[John Cadd]

This short piece has become my favourite in the solo sonatas and I will certainly get into trouble for my next sentences . I can`t find any decent quality recordings (for sound quality ) where the player "gets" this music. The main feel of the piece is captured by Bronislav Huberman in an old recording .He uses the bass notes as a feature in the music .Many players don`t seem to understand what those notes should be doing . Is it a heartbeat? Is it maybe plodding through the snow? Maybe both those together ? But trying to bury it quietly as part of a quiet chord is such a waste . Even Itzak Perlman does not sound in tune with his recording . There is plenty of agony and tragedy in this andante which needs the dischords .Where else can we use up dischords . Now will arrive a post asking me if I could do it better . But that perpetual chestnut denies anyone the right to comment on any music .That is not a healthy situation . We cannot be mice waiting for the cat to pounce on us .

[John Cadd]

The steady slow speed of this andante is vital .Huberman has that perfectly . Pablo Casals stays at the same pace but on a cello the bass notes were left out .You can only reach so far on a cello neck . If the work is played too lightly or just a shade too quickly it loses any meaning . The volume can be varied to give it drama and tragedy .but also some wistful sadness .
Nathan Milstein does not get high marks for this piece on his epic recording of all the solo S&Ps .Overall it`s a short piece that seems to get neglected .