Nathan Milstein (violin)
Artur Balsam (piano)
Vladimir Horowitz (piano)
Gregor Piatigorsky (cello)
The Robin Hood Dell Orchestra of Philadelphia
Fritz Reiner, conductor

Recorded 6th June, 22nd and 29th June, 1950 in New York City/29th June, 1951 in Philadelphia


Although, from all accounts Nathan Milstein, Vladimir Horowitz and Gregor Piatigorsky made up a potent trio, no one thought of bringing them together in the recording studio.

This Naxos re-issue gives us Milstein’s only studio collaboration with Horowitz, a superb interpretation of Brahms’ greatest violin sonata, and his only recording of the work. Milstein’s sole recording with Piatigorsky, of Brahms’ Double Concerto, is a powerful performance, excellently supported by the Hungarian maestro Freitz Reiner.

The rare 1950 recording of Beethoven’s Spring Sonata, which appeared only in America on 45rpm and an early LP, is even more spontaneous than the acclaimed stereo version.