This really is a very special chamber music recording. It was émigré Russian pianist
Vladimir Ashkenazy's first major chamber music experience in the west, his first recording with young Israel violinist
Itzhak Perlman, and his first recording with French hornist
Barry Tuckwell, then principal with the
London Symphony Orchestra. For repertoire, they chose Franck's Violin Sonata and
Brahms' Horn Trio. For performances, they gave among the best ever recorded.
Perlman's invincible virtuosity is manifest in the sonata's closing Allegretto poco mosso and his lean but sweet tone is evident in the long lines of its opening Allegretto ben moderato.
Tuckwell's effortless virtuosity triumphs in the Trio's Scherzo, his subtly modulated tone wins through in its central Adagio mesto, and his sense of humor romps wild and free in its closing Allegro con brio. Throughout,
Ashkenazy's playing is strongly individualistic -- listen to his lush tone and legato phrasing in Franck's Allegretto ben moderato -- totally supportive -- listen to him lean into the climax of
Brahms' Adagio mesto with
Perlman and
Tuckwell -- and completely masterful -- listen the three of them ride off into the sunset in
Brahms' rambunctious Allegro con brio. Recorded in rich, clear, and warm stereo sound in 1968 by producer
James Mallinson in Decca's West Hampstead Studio No. 3, this disc belongs on any short shelf of chamber music recordings.