Video performances (was Re: GG: Wrong Notes?)

[neil@thump.org (Neil)]

On Sat, 9 Jan 1999 08:51:46 -0500 (EST), you wrote:

>The other is from a TV show and I think it is
>way better than the `real' release.  So much more energy.  I listen to
>it almost every time I drive somewhere long :-).

Yes this is a really superb, gripping, dramatic performance. I often feel some
of GG's very best work was done for radio, tv or dare I say it live (the
saltzburg recital giving as a very real idea of what it must have been like to
hear him in concert). On the videos I also think the Berg sonata is far better
than the Sony release, plus the Bach concerto (a minor violin one) and perhaps
my absolute favourite, the rivetting Mozart B flat sonata which he tries to play
contrapuntally  but gets so inspired and  it turns into a magnificent account.

>There's also a great (IMHO) performance on the videos of GG + Rose doing
>the Beethoven piano/cello sonata #2.  I put that on the same tape, it
>fits perfectly in 45min :-).  I've only heard one other recording,
>Barenboim/du Pre, which I found relatively staid.

Yup. I don't know a better performance. Their partnership, listening to each
other, GG's angelic account of the piano part and Rose's total immersion make
this an unforgettable performance. 

Does anyone have any comments on the Bach violin sonatas he did with jamie
laredo ? i got the CDs about a year ago and am still totally mesmerised and
deeply in love with the performances. GG's re-intpretation of Bach's score (all
the split chords, extra voices and so on) is for me perhaps his most inspired
recording of all. The third sonata (one of Bach's very greatest inspirations
IMHO) is beyond description - its so beautiful and emotional. I'd stick my neck
out and say this is GG's greatest disc. No one has ever come close to the single
minded ecstasy which they both find in the score. And GG was a wonderful partner
to the inspired Laredo (who should get 50% of the credit for these discs too).

Neil

Ps. I hope to make the gathering too. 
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