Daniel Sepec, Jean-Guihen Queyras, Andreas Staier - Beethoven: Violin Sonatas, Piano Trios (2014) CD-Rip

'Ultimately it s the period instrument pungency of Andreas Staier, Daniel Sepec and Jean-Guihen Queyras that takes the palm, and unless you have a complete allergy to authentic instruments, it s this version that I recommend overall. No-one quite matches the sense of elation they find in the finale and the piano s myriad tones through its different registers add to its colouristic effect; colour, that word again; but it s inescapable in this reading. And it s not just to be found in the keyboard: the string pit staccatos near the close are deliciously enthusiastic. Relish too the way they bring out Beethoven s daring harmonic sleights of hand in the closing moments: that sense of danger, so essential in this piece, makes this version nothing less than a modern classic.' -- Harriet Smith