Search - Bela Bartok :: Bartók: Sonata for Solo Violin, Sz 117; 44 Duos for Two Violins

Karen Dallas H. (kikkilu) from CHICAGO, IL
Reviewed on 3/20/2009...

Rated a 5 out of 5, or a 4 out of 5 at variety of web sites. This review is from Amazon.com:

"Bartok's solo violin sonata is one of his most haunting masterpieces, and Gyorgy Pauk's performance equals or surpasses any of the half dozen or so I have heard. The Duos are also given a wonderfully lively and accomplished rendition, and the sound on this CD leaves nothing to be desired. A genuine bargain, as are Pauk's other Bartok recordings on Naxos. I like to put my CD player on random and let this one fill the room for its generous 73 minutes. (Listening to the entire set of duos in order can take the sparkle off them somewhat.)"

Superb Bartokian fiddling

gnox | Manitoulin Island, Canada | 09/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bartok's solo violin sonata is one of his most haunting masterpieces, and Gyorgy Pauk's performance equals or surpasses any of the half dozen or so I have heard. The Duos are also given a wonderfully lively and accomplished rendition, and the sound on this CD leaves nothing to be desired. A genuine bargain, as are Pauk's other Bartok recordings on Naxos. I like to put my CD player on random and let this one fill the room for its generous 73 minutes. (Listening to the entire set of duos in order can take the sparkle off them somewhat.)"

Simply Scintillating

David Kleist | 08/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I found the sound quality superb on this recording of the 44 duos, which I find poignant and pungent whether listened to in sequence or shuffled. The two artists give sensitive and articulate versions of the Bartok pieces. I found some of the bowing particularly evocative and haunting on the sonata for solo violin, with which I was hitherto unfamiliar.The moods of joy, contemplation, sadness, anger, etc. to the duos, as well as their diversity in form and complexity, make them endlessly listenable for me. I love this recording."