Beethoven: Violin Sonatas DVD

Advantages: Excellent performances in a perfect setting
Disadvantages: Very minor quibbles

...'s employment really did happen! By 1778, Mozart's composition style had developed to the point where his violin sonatas are much more of an equal partnership between violin and keyboard. During this year while he was in Mannheim and Paris, he composed a set of 6 sonatas which are featured on this DVD. They were dedicated to the German aristrocrat Maria Elisabeth, Electress of the Palatinate, but most importantly for Mozart, they were also published in Paris - his first major music publication. This was a vital step for Mozart. Not only was it a good source of income to have the works published, but it also served to spread his music around a much wider audience than would otherwise have been possible. So these works, while perhaps not the most widely known amongst the general public, are a vital stepping stone in Mozart's development... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Shows joyful side of tragic Du Pré; invaluable performances; entertaining spots.
Disadvantages: Too short, unfocused, worshipful; expensive for 1 hour film.

...) Other artists and performers included in the film: Daniel Barenboim Sir John Barbirolli Zubin Mehta Itzhak Perlman William Pleeth Pinchas Zuckerman New Philharmonia Orchestra Excerpts from: Brahms' Sonata No. 2 in F, Op. 99 Offenbach's Duos for two 'cellos Beethoven's Sonata No. 3 in A, Op. 69 Schubert's Piano Quintet in A, D. 667 'The Trout' Beethoven's Piano Trio No. 5 in D, Op. 70 No. 1 'The Ghost' Elgar's 'cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85... Read review

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Advantages: Quirky; a bit different
Disadvantages: Obviously made on a budget

...does have a really creepy vibe to it. I particularly liked the way the innocence of Megan and the evil of her mother complemented each other. The story is fairly original and quite quirky. I found it quite compelling to watch, particularly because I didn't ever know what was going to happen next. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite manage to deliver. Judging from the cover of the DVD, I was expecting something along the lines of a supernatural thriller. There is a brief moment of horror, which, I must admit, I didn't fully understand, but there is ultimately very little that is supernatural about it. The ending, although it was a surprise, was also a bit of a disappointment. The 'Sonata' of the title refers to Sonata 14, a piano piece by Beethoven that Megan is playing at the beginning of the film. This is then repeated at points... Read review

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