All but the last of Beethoven's ten violin sonatas were composed in a little over five years. Beethoven returned to the genre one last time in 1812, the eventful year in which he finished his seventh and eighth symphonies, and met Goethe during a sojourn in Teplitz. Violinist, Barbara Govatos, and pianist Marcantonio Barone have partnered on Beethoven's sonatas for many years. Ms. Govatos is a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Mr. Barone is a leading soloist and chamber musician, most active in the Philadelphia area.
Reviews:
“My hearty preference for the four-CD Govatos-Barone set (Bridge 9389) still stands. Their sonata cycle takes 229 minutes, because they take all the exposition repeats and make excellent tempo choices. They also treat each sonata as an individual masterpiece that is part of a progressive cycle.” - American Record Guide
“The performances are excellent in their boldly extroverted way. This is a welcome set and the beginning of what one hopes is a long recording career for this duo. Highly recommended.” - Fanfare
“The restless electricity of a live performance...a constant, strong-minded exchange of musical ideas.” - The Philadelphia Inquirer
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Ludwig van Beethoven: The Complete Sonatas for Violin and Piano
Barbara Govatos, violin
Marcantonio Barone, piano
Sonatas: Op. 12, Nos. 1, 2 & 3; Op. 23, Op. 24, Op. 30, Nos. 1, 2 & 3; Op. 47, Op. 96
BRIDGE 9389A/D (four discs for the price of two)