Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk Perform Brahms 'Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor' 

Waggish Sagacity That’s not necessary. They obviously feel each other’s gestures.

They've played together hundreds of times, they communicate through the music, no need for eye contact at that level.

@@mattculb6990 Are you, therefore, suggesting that only amateurs maintain eye-contact, and the LACK of eye contact is a sign of mastery? Are you also suggesting that eye contact between good, long-time friends is proof of an absence of a profound friendship, and is this also true of couples? I hope not.

@@waggishsagacity7947 Not necessarily no, I'm just saying that's just their preference and they've played together so much and know this music so well that I believe one should not let the fact that they don't look at each other that much hinder the listening experience, or judgement of the performance, if one must be made. It's also a weird performance setting that doesn't allow for much eye contact anyhow. And there are virtually no flaws especially in terms of timing between the two of them.

@@mattculb6990 Sometimes I'm a stickler for minutia, I admit. Of course, it is a style of playing and that's perfectly ok, my preference notwithstanding. Martha Argerich and and Misha Maisky didn't look at each other at all (I believe that they had been married...) and I found it a flaw. However, as I said at the end of my comment, "Except for that: A gorgeous piece, magnificently played, " I agree that, ordinarily it is not gritting --not in this instance, certainly. I love it when the soloist and the conductor maintain eye contact, and the same goes for quartets etc. and for solo duets. I took exception the suggestion that the lack of eye contact is due to a long period of playing together.

You’re right

This is not 'accompaniment' - this is a pair of equally talented musicians in equal partnership.

Brahms made sure the publisher titled them Sonatas for Violin and Piano for a reason!

Please give your reasons for your opinion. I happen to think they make a great partnership.

it's as if composers didn't write handbooks for soloists to follow and they are able to interpret it the way that they want to! please, educate these rookies in your superior knowledge and taste in music!

@@matsao1313 Please, give your reasons for your opinion too.

Your opinion has no basis. Obvious from listening.