Josef Suk, Jan Panenka - Smetana, Dvořák & Suk: Works For Violin And Piano (2004)

If you ever feel the overpowering urge to hear a disc with the best performances of the best music ever written for violin and piano by Czech composers, this is that disc. If you ever feel the overwhelming compulsion to hear a disc with sweetly lyrical, passionately expressive, and deeply soulful music played with unparalleled insight, unmatched understanding, and complete comprehension, this is that disc. The music is truly the best ever written for violin and piano by Czech composers. Smetana's Pieces (2) from The Homeland are charming. Dvorák's Sonatina and Romantic Pieces are heartfelt and instantly memorable. Suk's Ballade and Pieces (4) are works of stunning intensity and staggering expressivity. And Dvorák's transcription of his Slavonic Dance in E minor is a bravura display of nationalist fervor. The performances are the best ever recorded for the repertoire. Josef Suk is beyond all argument the greatest living Czech violinist with an ineffable tone, an infallible technique, and an identification with the music that goes back through his grandfather, composer Josef Suk, to his great-grandfather, composer Antonin Dvorák. Jan Panenka is everything an accompanist should be: here, there, and everywhere and always and everywhere as one with the soloist. Taken all together, the sweetest music this side of heaven. Supraphon's sound is transparent.