Beethoven Sonatas Op 12/3, 30/3 & 96
Vassily Lobanov

It is my policy to give equal attention to special older CDs as to new releases. Having welcomed the auspicious start of Peter Sheppard-Skaevared's Beethoven Explored project, I have listened again to this splendid live performance by the (then) Soviet composer-pianist Vassily Lobanov with the late, great violinist Oleg Kagan.

They are perfectly attuned and their listening and responding to each other is palpable. The pianist is properly prominent (Beethoven described them as sonatas for piano with violin) and these three favourites make for a wonderful recital programme.

Well worth adding to your collection even if you have one or more studio recordings of the whole cycle.