New Beginning

The Violin Sonatas on this set were recorded in Berlin, Germany and at EMI Abbey Road Studios, London, England.
One of the finest, most comprehensive classical collections ever to be put on disc is EMI Classic's "double forte" series; these majestic releases feature music by many of the greatest composers and performers of all time. No classical series would ever be regarded as complete without featuring the works of both Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, and this set does a splendid job at doing just that.
Beethoven played stringed instruments since childhood, learning the craft well into his adult years. The Violin Sonatas reflect Beethoven's ability to perfectly pair the violin with the piano, giving them both ample, expressive voices; this at a time when the standard duo sonata was commonly referred to as a "sonata for piano, with violin accompaniment." Beethoven took criticism for his use of the form as an exploration into new musical realms. With these sonatas, marvelously performed by Pinchas Zukerman, violin, and Daniel Barenboim, piano, one can become familiar with Beethoven's genius.
Most of the second disc is a recording of Tchaikovsky's Piano Trio in A minor, Op. 50, also performed by Zukerman and Barenboim, with Jaqueline Du Pr on violoncello. Written in memory of a relationship between Tchaikovsky and a friend, this piece greatly varies in mood from start to finish. In the theme and variations, it is happy and celebratory; the finale represents a much more sorrowful and grievous moment in the composer's life.