| Site review by Castor December 14, 2006
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Performance: Sonics (MC): |
Henryk Wieniawski (1835-1880) is best known for his two violin concertos that have been vehicles for many a virtuoso on record including Heifetz with whom Piotr Janowski, the violinist on this outstanding SACD, once studied.
The enterprising program of pieces recorded here, in what is the second volume of 2L’s projected complete recordings of Wieniawski’s works for violin, contains a couple of world premier recordings. These are the lovely Allegro de Sonate Op.2 and the thrilling Grand duo polonais Op. 8. The booklet notes state that the Fantasie Orientale Op.24 is also a first recording, but this is not the case.
The most familiar work on the disc is probably the Polonaise brillante Op.4 (also known as Premiere polonaise de concert) that has long been a popular encore.
The playing of Piotr Janowski with his rich tone and impeccable intonation is sensational in this repertoire, and he is well matched with pianist Wofgang Plagge in what sounds like an ideal partnership.
The wide-ranging moods of each of the melodic and inventive works presented here reveal them to be something more than mere violin showpieces. All six of the pieces on this SACD are well-chosen to make a satisfying program that, when combined with such breathtaking playing by the duo Janowski/Plagge, ensures the 51 minutes of this disc seem to pass in an instant.
2L’s recording made in the Sofienberg Church, Oslo is stunningly realistic, combining warmth with absolute clarity, and the balance achieved between the two instruments is impeccable. If you enjoy romantic virtuoso violin works then this is a disc that you will want to listen to over and over again and I recommend it unreservedly.
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Copyright © 2006 Graham Williams and SA-CD.net
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| Site review by mwagner1962 January 17, 2007
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Performance: Sonics (S): |
I will second Castor’s review and add a second set of cheers for the excellent SACD. As a surprising arrival in an unanticipated package from 2L, I was very interested in seeing what this disc offered. And goodness, I was not let down.
This SACD features some extremely satisfying music, and not the typical “fluff” that one might expect. From the intensely lyrical second track (Romance sans parole et Rondo elegant) to the pleasant nature of third track (Fantaisie Oriental) wonderful polonaise in track five, listeners are treated to a musical treat.
I find Piotr Janowski’s to world class and the sound of his violin is simply superb. The playing of Wolfgang Plagge is also equally impressive.
I have become quite a fan of Mort Lindberg’s efforts with 2L. As with the other recordings I have by 2L, the sound is stunning, vivid and well captured with a fine sense of venue.
HIGHLY recommended.
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Copyright © 2007 Mark Wagner and SA-CD.net
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| Review by threerandot March 12, 2007 (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics (MC): |
I find it hard to believe that this is merely a PCM recording, but the sound here is truly something special. The sense of space is wonderfully caught in this engaging collection of music by Henry Wieniawski (1835-1880), featuring violinist Piotr Janowski and pianist Wolfgang Plagge, who aren't afraid to plunge headlong into these virtuoso pieces. Janowski wears his heart on his sleeve and Plagge makes a sensitive accompanist. The performers on this disc are caught very vividly and we are invited along by the immersive sound experience. In the surround sound layer of this disc, the rear speakers provide a wonderful sense of ambience, most of the sound coming from the front channels in this 5.1 recording. Even the smallest of nuances come through clearly.
There is much charasmatic and persuasive playing throughout this disc and the soloists really seem to enjoy themselves. There is a nice feeling of intimacy between the listener and the music which draws us in to the sound world of Henry Wieniawski.
The Digipak booklet contains notes about Wieniawski and information about the two soloists who have shared an active rapport as a duo, playing a wide range of works together as a team, and it shows on this disc that they have colloborated a great deal.
With such excellent sound and effortless playing, I must give this disc the highest recommendation possible. Even if you are not familiar with the music of Wieniawski (I wasn't, before I recieved this disc), you may very well find yourself a fan of these enjoyable confections. A triumph for 2L.
(This review only refers to the Multi-Channel portion of this disc.)
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| Review by krisjan March 17, 2007 (3 of 3 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics (S): |
I am normally one who prefers large-scale, substantial works like sonatas, symphonies and concertos as opposed to what this recording offers: a series of violin/piano works composed by the violin virtuoso Henryk Wieniawski. The longest work here is the 14+ minute Grand Duo Polonais, Op.8 which by itself comes off as a single movement sonata. The other five tracks are shorter works but for the most part these are not "bon bons" - they are serious music. So if not for receiving this disk with compliments from 2L, I might never have chosen to purchase it. That would have been to my great loss!
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this recording. The works are expertly and passionately played by the duo of Piotr Janowski (violin) and Wolfgang Plagge (piano). The first two tracks (Op.2 & Op.9) if taken together make for a nice three-movement sonata. No, they were not intended that way but they do sound like they could have been. Janowski and Plagge exhibit execellent ensemble work. In works of this nature (i.e. "virtuoso") there are many accelerandos and ritardondos and they are performed as if by one person. I can't imagine better performances.
Sonically this is very good too. Recorded over a two year span in an Oslo church, there is an excellent balance of direct and hall sound (2-channel). Though not specified in the liner notes, the piano sounds like a Steinway to me with the typical, rich midrange characteristic of these pianos. It appears that this was a PCM master and one can just hear the vestages of the pcm signature in the sound. Also, Janowski's violin is just a tad too big compared to the piano but these are very minor carps on what is an overall excellent sound. I wish more companies could be this good! Congratualtions to 2L for a very fine recording and thanks for the opportunity to hear it.
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