Brahms: The Complete Violin Sonatas

Classical Brit-winning violinist Jack Liebeck is ambitious in tackling the Brahms sonatas, which require such emotional maturity. But many will prefer his clear, focused and direct approach to the surface gloss of Anne-Sophie Mutter's recent account. The poise of the D minor's adagio and the volatile changes of the A major's central movement are both beautifully turned, though an utterly serene flow in the G major's opening currently eludes him. Vibrato is controlled and portamento slides are delicately used. There is outstanding piano partnership – warm and sonorous – from Katya Apekisheva.