Album

While there has been no lack of great recorded performances of Brahms' violin and viola sonatas over the years, there have been few great recorded performances of them played by the same performer. And, aside from Zukerman's stunning 1975 recordings, there have been none as successful as this 2005 recording by violinist and violist Shlomo Mintz with pianist Itamar Golan. On either violin or viola, Mintz is a warm-toned virtuoso with a supple technique and an expressive lyricism. Although his tempos are broader than many other performers, his strength and sensitivity make his performances just as convincing and even more passionate. In Mintz's hands, Brahms' themes are melodies, Brahms' shapes are songs, and Brahms' music is endlessly radiant and infinitely consoling. Golan supports Mintz, but does not intrude on him. Avie's sound is incredibly vivid and lifelike.

© James Leonard, All Music Guide

CD 1 of 2
Johannes Brahms Composer Violin Sonata No.1 in G, Op.78 Work 30:52 Itamar Golan Piano, Shlomo Mintz Violin
1	1.Vivace ma non troppo	12:42			Album Only
2	2.Adagio	7:54			$0.99
3	3.Allegro molto moderato	10:16			Album Only
Johannes Brahms Composer Violin Sonata No.2 in A, Op.100 Work 22:13 Itamar Golan Piano, Shlomo Mintz Violin
4	1.Allegro amabile	8:59			$0.99
5	2.Andante tranquillo. Vivace	7:21			$0.99
6	3.Allegretto grazioso (quasi Andante)	5:53			$0.99
Johannes Brahms Composer Violin Sonata No.3 in D-, Op.108 Work 22:16 Itamar Golan Piano, Shlomo Mintz Violin
7	1.Allegro	8:36			$0.99
8	2.Adagio	4:45			$0.99
9	3.Un poco presto e con sentimento	3:06			$0.99
10	4.Finale: Presto agitato	5:49			$0.99
CD 2 of 2
Johannes Brahms Composer Clarinet (or Viola) Sonata in F-, Op.120, No.1 Work 24:55 Itamar Golan Piano, Shlomo Mintz Violin
1	1.Allegro appassionato	8:26			$0.99
2	2.Andante un poco adagio	5:59			$0.99
3	3.Allegretto grazioso	4:57			$0.99
4	4.Vivace	5:33			$0.99
Johannes Brahms Composer Clarinet (or Viola) Sonata in Eb, Op.120, No.2 Work 22:49 Itamar Golan Piano, Shlomo Mintz Violin
5	1.Allegro amabile	9:27			$0.99
6	2.Allegro appassionato	5:00			$0.99
7	3.Andante con moto. Allegro non troppo	8:22			$0.99
Johannes Brahms Composer Scherzo in C- for Violin and Piano ('F-A-E'), WoOposth.2 Work Itamar Golan Piano, Shlomo Mintz Violin
8	Scherzo in C- for Violin and Piano ('F-A-E'), WoOposth.2	5:37			$0.99