Oistrakh: Bartok Sonata No. 1 (Richter) + Brahms No. 1 (Bauer) - EMI Italy, NM

Jacket NM / LP NM

This very handsome LP from Italian EMI / Melodiya (3C 063-63822, Italian pressing, red label, stereo) features legendary violinist David Oistrakh in two mesmerizing performances.

The exact discographic details are as follows:

Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 1 in G Major Op. 78

> with Frieda Bauer, pianist

(recorded “live” in Moscow on 18 May 1970)

Bartok: Violin Sonata No. 1

> with Sviatoslav Richter, pianist

(recorded “live” in Moscow on 29 March 1972)

This is exalted playing by any measure and all those who treasure the art of the violin will find much to savor here. The sound – and the pressing – are absolutely first rate.

There are informative liner notes on the reverse side of the jacket by Carlo Maria Cella, provided in Italian only. The amazing cover photo of Oistrakh is uncredited, alas.