Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 100 (Meistersinger Sonata)

“Especially impressive is their absolute unanimity of approach: the sense they convey that they are not merely equal partners but equally important voices in Brahms's polyphonic textures. The breadth of their phrasing, the constant search for fluidity...is also very striking...Marwood and Madzar are so good I'm tempted to make them the new benchmark among contemporary recordings.” BBC Music Magazine, July 2012 *****

“this is duo playing of the highest order...[Marwood's] musicianship and panache will be familiar to many. We don't hear enough of Madzar in the UK: there are few to match him in terms of technique and interpretation, and he here proves a terrific chamber music partner.” Classical Music, 19th May 2012 *****

“Distinct pianism and etched string attack may not be all that these sonatas require. Marwood doesn't often relax into the music...Nevertheless, the impassioned last sonata finds Marwood and Madzar in more relenting mood, willing to modify hitherto guarded responses to conventions of performance that Brahms took for granted.” Gramophone Magazine, September 2012

“Arabella Steinbacher and Robert Kulek approach these timeless scores with a velvet-gloved tenderness and affection that dispels any sense of Brahms being an 'intellectual' composer. Steinbacher produces a sensuous sound of beguiling purity that sends Brahms's rich cantabile lines soaring aloft and receives wonderfully sympathetic support from Kulek...in terms of sheer beauty of sound Steinbacher and Kulek have no rivals.” Classic FM Magazine, August 2011 ****

“There's a strongly lyrical impulse in Arabella Steinbacher's playing which is suited to the intimate character of these Sonatas...Robert Kulek is an admirable duo partner and projects both the richness and clarity of texture in Brahms's writing through a carefully controlled use of the pedal, responding wit sensitivity to the subtle inflections in Steinbacher's phrasing. Pentatone's recording has real presence” BBC Music Magazine, August 2011 *****

“How far you enjoy this disc will depend on how you like your Brahms served up. There's much to admire in Steinbacher's sound and you may not find the deliberate tempos as indulgent as I did, in which case proceed with great haste.” International Record Review, July/August 2011

“The poise of the D minor's adagio and the volatile changes of the A major's central movement are both beautifully turned...Vibrato is controlled and portamento slides are delicately used. There is outstanding piano partnership – warm and sonorous – from Katya Apekisheva.” The Observer, 11th July 2010

“Liebeck’s love of this music emanates from every bar...[he] and Apekisheva seem to feel the music’s flow instinctively...This is a great set, combining experience, thought and insight, together with a dash of youthful freshness for that extra ingredient of exhilaration.” The Telegraph, 28th July 2010

“As with all good chamber performances, there's a strong sense of the players thinking and feeling as a unit...Liebeck's dark tone and quiet strength is nicely offset by Apekisheva's limpid grace and immaculate sensitivity. Beautifully done, on a level with some of the classic couplings in these works, and highly recommended.” The Guardian, 12th August 2010 ****

“Katya Apekisheva shows an admirable lightness of touch...Liebeck has a naturally expressive way of playing…enjoyable, discerning accounts” Gramophone Magazine, October 2010

“Technically you can't fault Jack Liebeck, or when it comes to grasping each sonata as a single structure. He's also strongly partnered by Katya Apekisheva - so much more than an accompanist, as this music demands...Liebeck brings freshness, clarity, intelligence” BBC Music Magazine, October 2010 ***

“a remarkable partnership...Where other young virtuosos sometimes tend to regard their pianist merely as an accompanist, this young duo work as equals, each responding to the other in performances that consistently sound spontaneous.” Penguin Guide, 2011 edition