Review by Darwin February 22, 2006 (7 of 7 found this review helpful)
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I find myself returning to this disc frequently, like a comfortable pair of shoes. I don't know if it would suit everyone's tastes, however.
- Warm, close miked sound with just the right touch of hall ambiance reaching the surrounds? Check. - The sense of period instruments, complete with creaks and squeaks, right in your living room? Yup! - Lively, even playful performances of sonatas as early as KV. 6 and as late as KV. 547? You betcha! - Ethereal, nearly transparent violin floating in gossamer purity over a whispering crystal piano? Not on your life, buster.
If the latter is your only cup of tea, consider the recent Mutter Tchaikovsky/Korngold. For me, its opening violin passages clearly evoked the image of a quivering lip. This disc, on the other hand, is a great example of baroque-style chamber music played by a truly gifted duo who are obviously enjoying themselves.
A previous reviewer felt that Mr. Cooper's piano was overshadowed by the closeness of Ms. Podger's violin. I must confess that I didn't get that impression. Many of the movements are very much piano-dominated (as intended), while others let the violin shine a bit more. I really couldn't find any fault with the balance.
Highly recommended.
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