Fauré's violin sonatas

[visualnickmos]

I have just listened to Fauré's string quartet (an excellent performance by the Miami String Quartet on Conifer Classics) and this led me to wonder if his two violin sonatas are of equal standard. I am relatively new to Fauré but so far I am enjoying discovering his music. Does anyone have any particular recommendations for the violin sonatas, as there seem to be quite a few to choose from? Thank you.

[verismissimo]

I like Krysia Osostowicz and Susan Tomes in these sonatas. Available here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Faur%C3%A9-V...3693751&sr=1-1
Or for three pounds more in a wonderful 5CD box from Brilliant with all the Faure chamber music:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Faure-Nash-E...3693844&sr=1-1

[aeolium]

I like Krysia Osostowicz and Susan Tomes in these sonatas. Available here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Faur%C3%A9-V...3693751&sr=1-1
Or for three pounds more in a wonderful 5CD box from Brilliant with all the Faure chamber music:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Faure-Nash-E...3693844&sr=1-1

There is the complete Faure chamber music in this Virgin box, with Capucons et al, from Prestoclassical at a very good price (but only until tomorrow):

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/promo.php?promo=401&blurb=401

(3rd item down the page)

[umslopogaas]

I have a 1979 Philips LP (9500 534) with Arthur Grumiaux and Paul Crossley playing both sonatas. As I recall, it is very good, but I dont know if it was transferred to CD.

[Julien Sorel]

I have a 1979 Philips LP (9500 534) with Arthur Grumiaux and Paul Crossley playing both sonatas. As I recall, it is very good, but I dont know if it was transferred to CD.

Looks that way http://www.amazon.co.uk/Faur%C3%A9-V...3694961&sr=1-1

I have Pierre Amoyal and Pascal Rogé which is lovely, IMO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Faure-Violin...3694796&sr=1-2

[JFLL]

I have a 1979 Philips LP (9500 534) with Arthur Grumiaux and Paul Crossley playing both sonatas. As I recall, it is very good, but I dont know if it was transferred to CD.

Yes, I'd recommend the Grumiaux/Crossley, too, which seem to be available on a CD. But better value might be this, with other French duo sonatas:

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Australian%2BEloquence/4428299

[ahinton]

Not sure which to recommend but they're both marvellous pieces - but then I've yet to encounter a Fauré chamber work that isn't!...

[Don Petter]

Yes, I'd recommend the Grumiaux/Crossley, too, which seem to be available on a CD. But better value might be this, with other French duo sonatas:

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/A...quence/4428299

I'd go for Grumiaux/Crossley, too, and that re-issued collection looks a complete winner.

[visualnickmos]

Thanks to everyone for your (as always) excellent comments. I was interested in the 5 CD Virgin set which on the face of it looks like a great set. BUT - I have been looking on Amz.fr at the reviews, and it seems there are major issues with recording quality - particularly CD 2, which seems to have major problems. It was enough to put me off making a purchase, unfortunately.... so I will look at your other suggested options. Thanks again to all!

PS - I can see no adverse comments pertaining to the Brilliant Classics (original) version of the set; indeed, one GB review says how well-recorded the set is, so I am guessing that it the transfer made by Virgin that is technically flawed. Can such a thing happen when recordings are taken on by other labels?

[Julien Sorel]

PS - I can see no adverse comments pertaining to the Brilliant Classics (original) version of the set; indeed, one GB review says how well-recorded the set is, so I am guessing that it the transfer made by Virgin that is technically flawed. Can such a thing happen when recordings are taken on by other labels?

The Brilliant box and the Virgin are I'm sure different recordings / performances; the Virgin looked very promising, but I was also put off by remarks about recorded quality. The CDs I've heard from Alpha of Fauré's chamber music with the pianist Eric Le Sage as common denominator have been very good, but they've not reached (or issued) the violin sonatas yet.

[Nick Armstrong]

Not strictly relevant to the query but just as a reminder for all within striking distance of the Wigmore, that these pieces (under the fingers of MM Capuçon and Dalberto) feature in the Fauré chamber series this spring

http://www.wigmore-hall.org.uk/whats-on/series/the-faure-project-0

I am fully signed up for the concerts, and looking forward very much.

[visualnickmos]

The Brilliant box and the Virgin are I'm sure different recordings / performances; the Virgin looked very promising, but I was also put off by remarks about recorded quality. ...

Yes - I've just re-examined, and that is the case. Thanks for drawing it to my attention. The Brilliant box does look extremely tempting.

[visualnickmos]

I have just seen on amz that a box EMI set is now available - with the great Christian Frerras as one the many superb artists performing in the set. Definitely worth a punt, I would imagine...?

[amateur51]

Not strictly relevant to the query but just as a reminder for all within striking distance of the Wigmore, that these pieces (under the fingers of MM Capuçon and Dalberto) feature in the Fauré chamber series this spring

http://www.wigmore-hall.org.uk/whats-on/series/the-faure-project-0

I am fully signed up for the concerts, and looking forward very much.

Looking forward to your reports, svp Caliban

[amateur51]

I have just seen on amz that a box EMI set is now available - with the great Christian Frerras as one the many superb artists performing in the set. Definitely worth a punt, I would imagine...?

Any chance of a link so we can comment, visualnickmos?