Joseph Szigeti was a compelling but sometimes uneven performer, as proven by these live broadcast airchecks, reissued by Music & Arts at midprice. The G minor Sonata receives a broader, more intensely contoured reading than either of the violinist’s studio attempts, and is relatively well-recorded, given its provenanace. On the other hand, Szigeti’s astringent sonority positively lacerates the ear due to the unduly close miking of the remaining works, recorded in 1949. The close sonics tend to exaggerate the violinist’s tiniest deviations in pitch or bow-arm steadiness. Experienced Szigeti collectors certainly will want these performances, but the novice should look elsewhere.
