This first-ever collaboration between Itzhak Perlman and Martha Argerich offers ample proof that opposites attract, and often wind up making beautiful music together. The genial, warm-toned violinist and mercurial pianist tread carefully in the opening, declamatory bars of the “Kreutzer” Sonata, but soon get down to more than business as usual. Argerich’s assertive left hand challenges her partner’s tendency to taper phrases, and both artists imbue the variation movement with ravishing coloristic interplay. The galloping finale crackles with rapier accents and tightly honed ensemble work. As with the Beethoven, both musicians surpass their previous recorded partnerships in this Franck Sonata performance, distinguished for its lyrical breadth, simplicity of utterance, and thrilling yet unforced virtuosity. Recorded live in Saratoga, occasional audience noises and minuscule inaccuracies don’t matter one bit, given such inspired artistry. Let’s hope this Perlman/Argerich summit meeting is the first of many. What a team! [11/25/1999]
