Violin Concertos/Sinfonia Concertante

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Fans of Anne-Sophie Mutter know what to expect of her. Her technique is dazzling, and she takes an individualistic, Romantic approach to whatever she plays --occasionally inundating the music with more weight than is necessary--and her tone is luminous and grand. This 2-CD set of all of Mozart's Violin Concerti and the fantastic Sinfonia Concertante K. 364 (wherein she's joined by violist Yuri Bashmet) exemplifies all of these traits. If you like your Mozart airy and delicate you've come to the wrong place; if you like some fine showy virtuosity in fast movements and long, lush statements in the slow movements, you'll be perfectly comfortable. And indeed the slow movements are slow--occasionally hypnotically so--but they're never less than stunningly played. K. 364 is ravishing, particularly in the two energetic outer movements, with Bashmet's gorgeous tone a real attraction. This is very sophisticated Mozart playing. --Robert Levine

Tracks:

No. 1 In B Flat, K. 207: Allegro Moderato
No. 1 In B Flat, K. 207: Adagio
No. 1 In B Flat, K. 207: Presto
No. 3 In G, K. 216: Allegro
No. 3 In G, K. 216: Adagio
No. 3 In G, K. 216: Rondeau (Allegro)
No. 4 In D, K. 218: Allegro
No. 4 In D, K. 218: Andante Cantabile
No. 4 In D, K. 218: Rondeau
Adagio In E For Violin And Orchestra, K. 261
Rondo In C For Violin And Orchestra, K. 373

Tracks:

Concerto No. 2 In D, K. 211: Allegro
Concerto No. 2 In D, K. 211: Andante
Concerto No. 2 In D, K. 211: Rondeau (Allegro)
Concerto No. 5 In A, K. 219: Allegro Aperto
Concerto No. 5 In A, K. 219: Adagio
Concerto No. 5 In A, K. 219: Rondeau (Tempo Di Menuetto)
Sinfonia Concertante In E Flat, K. 364 For Violin, Viola And Orchestra: Allegro Maestoso
Sinfonia Concertante In E Flat, K. 364 For Violin, Viola And Orchestra: Andante
Sinfonia Concertante In E Flat, K. 364 For Violin, Viola And Orchestra: Presto

Amazon.com essential recording

At the ripe old age of 19 Mozart wrote five violin concertos, and they represent his coming of age as a composer of orchestral music. From here on, it's basically one masterpiece after another. Though not difficult works, technically speaking, they partake in full measure of Mozart's uniquely sensual brand of melody. That means that successful performances must know how to spin out a singing musical line, while at the same time making the most of the rare opportunities for soloistic display. Taste and musicianship are more important qualities than virtuosity, and that makes these pieces ideal vehicles for Arthur Grumiaux's aristocratic temperament and technical polish. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Perfect ? almost.......2007-06-08

I am happy to agree that Grumiaux was the best interpreter of Mozart's violin works, assured, fluent, magic flowed from his bow. And I agree that this Philips Duo is a great bargain, packed with great music. I do, however have one little reservation, while the sound quality of the violin is good, I find the sound of the orchestra rather muddy, especially during the louder periods; perhaps this is acceptable when the age of the recording is taken into account. But can you tell the scoring with any confidence? flutes ? oboes ? horns ? ( The sound quality of K 261 and K 373, with the New Philhamonia, is a little better)
Even with this reservation, I still give it 5 stars.

PS I have recently purchased a new re-release of Grumiaux playing the Beethoven violin concerto, the sound is much better than in these CDs, perhaps a more recent digital remastering of the violin concertos would result in more acceptable sound quality.

Excellent. Must-have set........2006-07-21

This is an excellent set put out by Philips in it's renowned Duo cd class. Almost all of Mozart's violin works are here. Arthur Grumiaux, one of my favorites, does a superb job of interpreting Mozart's works. This last weekend I played the same works by Heifitz and the comparison makes for interesting listening. I can't say one is better than the other, specially since I have no formal training in music, but each artist definitely leaves an impression.

Excellent set and a superb value but most importantly makes a valuable addition to anyone's collection.

Gustavo Ferreira Violin Music.......2006-01-19

This is a very good compilation of Mozart Violin Concertos and with a very good Orchestra. I did not put 5 stars because I had some of Mozart concertos played by H.Heifetz and other by Xue-Wei that I consider are more brilliant violinsts. Grumiaux is very good but not excelent.

Honesty and musical integrity!.......2005-05-16

The artistic personality of Artur Grumiaux was undoubtedly very sober. In comparision with the warmth of a David Oistrakh or the powerful musculature of Heifetz, his golden and flawless intonation was if I may, unique. His sonority and style did not belong to bravura style. He was an accurate and impressive violinist. His Mozart is crystalline and innocent. Once more, his presence in various performances in Prades Festival transformed and even improved his spelling touch. As you know all the artists who participated in this unequal Festival acquired a giant dimension. It is not by mere hazard that names of the height of Joseph Szigeti, Eugene Istomin, Rudolf Serkin, Sandor Vegh, Isaac Stern, William Kapell, Clara Haskill - above their innate skills - experienced Casals' spell. And because of this experience there was an immediate rapport with Clara Haskill and recorded one of the most incredible sets of Mozart `s Sonatas for violin that I' have heard ever.
And, despite his brief existence 1921-1986 his name will be resounding in the world of the violin during years and years. His honesty and integrity , technique and musicianship, self possession and aristocratic feature confer a special honor place. Go and get all what you can about Mozart, Faure Sonatas, his Haendel sonatas for violin, his Debussy Sonata, Guilleme Lekeu, Paganini 4th, and his version of Franck's sonata for violin is one of the most lyrical ever recorded.
An unforgettable artist!

Grumiaux at his finest.......2005-04-11

Yet another Philips Mozart DUO that is at the top of the class. Having the legendary Arthur Grumiaux on so many of these Mozart violin collections makes them easy choices. His elegant, refined style and lucious tone (from an amazing 1744 Guanari) were born for Mozart. Just about every major reviewer (Penguin, Gramophone, etc) lists this particular CD in the top two best picks for Mozart's violin concertos, often citing Grumaiux's style as the ideal model for Mozart. The recording sound is exceptional too as is typical for most Philips discs. A superb choice for the violin concertos! Anne-Sofie Mutter and Pamela Frank (amongst many) have also recorded some fine performances of these works along with a rather unique version from Baroque specialist, Fabio Biondi (Virgin).

An alternative choice would be the intruiguing 5-CD collector's set of Grumiaux's Historic Philips Recordings from 1953-1962 which has these five concertos plus many and some rarer works from Paganini, Mendelssohn, Faure, Ravel, Debussy, Granados, Sarasate and others. 4/5 discs are in mono but the sound is fine really. If you admire this Belgian legend, then this historic set would probably be very special as it shows Grumiaux at his finest in a beautiful and diverse repertoire.

Average customer rating:

Solid performance and great value
Great collection and great value
No brainer -- buy it!

Prokofiev: Complete Concertos
Sergey Prokofiev , Vladimir Ashkenazy , Joshua Bell , Lynn Harrell , Andre Previn , Charles Dutoit , and London Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000076GYI
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Customer Reviews:

Solid performance and great value.......2007-02-15

This set contains almost all Prokofiev's concertos. Contrary to what is advertised as "Complete Concertos", it omits Prokofiev's early work "Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 58". Although a large amount of thematic material is reused in the later piece "Sinfonia Concertante for cello & orchestra in E minor, Op. 125", there are really substantial differences. (Traditionally, when a set is advertised as "complete", it will contains at least all works with Opus numbers.) But really, Op. 58 is not performed in the concert halls these days. (At least, none that I am aware of.) If you are really interested in comparing these 2 works, you may consult, e.g. Chandos recording "The Unknown Prokofiev".

I like the performances here. For each individual piece, there are performances closer to my heart. For example, Richter's Piano Concerto in G and Argerich's Piano Concerto in C., Heifetz's Violin Concerto in g minor, besides those mentioned in other 2 reviews. (By the way, Rostropovich's Sinfonia Concertante is now available in DVD from EMI Classic Archive 15.) However, if you are looking for solid performances at an affordable price, hesitate no more! This set is for you.

Highly recommended.

Great collection and great value.......2006-10-09

This 3-CD set includes all of Prokofiev's concertos in one place. The best part is that it includes Ashkenzy and Previn's perfomances of the piano concertos- generally considered the best on recording.

Bell's perfomance of the violin concertos and quite good, maybe not the best, but Lynn Harell's cello renditions are excellent.

Highly recommended.

No brainer -- buy it!.......2004-08-22

This is a great and inexpensive introduction to the concerti of Sergei Prokofiev. And there's not a boring piece--or performance--in the box. I'm generally not a big Ashkenazy fan these days, but many of his earlier recordings were often very fine, and these are among them. His direct, declamatory way of played works to the advantage of the music here as well. He seizes these works by the horns, and the results are spectacular. Previn and the LSO never sounded better--for those who are familiar mostly with the later Previn, somewhat burned out and sluggishly leading the RPO or LAPO, these recordings will be a revelation. From the mechanical workings of No. 1 to the agitated fury of No. 2 to the quicksilver lithe of No. 3 to the enigma that is No. 5, these are great performances that manage to hit the mark while being very middle-of-the-road. (I don't mean middle-of-the-road in a negative way.) You'll notice I didn't mention No. 4, which has never really worked for me. As far as left-hand concertos go, listen to Ravel's.

The violin concerto is very fine, but it won't displace either Oisktrakh (a tall order, I admit) or, believe it or not, Perlman, with Rozhdestvensky and the BBC Symphony. The two cello concerti are tremendously exciting compositions that deserve to be played a lot more often than they are. Written for Rostrapovich, they are given credible readings by Harrell here, though I wish Rosty's performances were available (other than Op. 132 in an expensive 13-CD box) to show you you're *really* supposed to burn up these works. There aren't a whole lot of other performances of either of them, so you'll have to settle for these.

Mozart: The Violin Concertos; Sinfonia Concertante

Average customer rating:

Superb!
Lyrical, Powerful, Moving Mozart
Buy it if you love mozart and violin
One of the most beutiful Mozart ever
Mozart: The Violin Concertos

Mozart: The Violin Concertos; Sinfonia Concertante

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1; Spohr: Violin Concerto No. 8

ASIN: B000CQKY4Y
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

Allegro moderato
Andante
Rondeau (Allegro)
Allegro moderato
Adagio
Presto
Allegro aperto
Adagio
Rondeau (Tempo di minuetto)

Tracks:

Allegro
Andante cantabile
Rondeau (Andante grazioso - Allegro ma non troppo)
Allegro
Adagio
Rondo (Allegro)
Allegro maestoso
Andante
Presto

Amazon.com

Fans of Anne-Sophie Mutter know what to expect of her. Her technique is dazzling, and she takes an individualistic, Romantic approach to whatever she plays --occasionally inundating the music with more weight than is necessary--and her tone is luminous and grand. This 2-CD set of all of Mozart's Violin Concerti and the fantastic Sinfonia Concertante K. 364 (wherein she's joined by violist Yuri Bashmet) exemplifies all of these traits. If you like your Mozart airy and delicate you've come to the wrong place; if you like some fine showy virtuosity in fast movements and long, lush statements in the slow movements, you'll be perfectly comfortable. And indeed the slow movements are slow--occasionally hypnotically so--but they're never less than stunningly played. K. 364 is ravishing, particularly in the two energetic outer movements, with Bashmet's gorgeous tone a real attraction. This is very sophisticated Mozart playing. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Superb!.......2007-06-21

I wil be brief. These remarable pieces are played beautifully and insightfully by Ms. Mutter. No Mozart worshiper should be without these recordings.

Lyrical, Powerful, Moving Mozart.......2007-03-16

Every so often you find an almost perfect performance and recording that leaves you smiling and shaking your head in awe: Mutter Mozart -- The Violin Concertos and Sinfonia Concertante is definitely one of those.

Ms. Mutter's power, range, and stylistic sophistication are at their acme. She soars ethereally where it's required, sings sweetly in slow rhythms, and pushes forward like a commander where that's what's called for. The London Philharmonic is beautifully in concert with her every move and timing. Yuri Bashmet's viola in Sinfonia Concertante is equally sublime.

For those who first knew Ms. Mutter's Mozart playing when she was but a budding teen, it's fun to see how much her skill and interpretive abilities have expanded in 30 years. It's astonishing to see someone with that much experience can still appear quite young. And of course, there's the irony to appreciate of Ms. Mutter now being older than Mozart was at his death.

Above all this is a confident performance by players who know Mozart well, understand what they want to accomplish, and are in complete accord with what needs to be done. The bright optimism and energy of Mozart are beautifully displayed . . . reminding us with wonder of how his own life was often filled with problems even as he produced such astonishingly bright works one right after the other.

If you like Ms. Mutter and Mozart, I encourage you to purchase this two CD-set and the four CD-set, Mozart: The Violin Sonatas.

Buy it if you love mozart and violin.......2007-01-03

I bought this CD set a couple of months back. I'm glad to to say that I've enjoyed it throughly so far. I also have a copy of the rather polished recording of Violin Concertos 3 and 5 that Mutter made with Karajan, and I find the new one seems to have greater energy and emotions. Both the set of recordings are to be cherished in their own right.

The Sinfonia Concertante is to die for! I've not heard a better recording, especially the Presto.

One of the most beutiful Mozart ever.......2006-12-22

I compared this recording with Manze, Grumiaux, and Perlman's recordings.
First, no. 1 and 2. are the outstading performance with gorgeous sound.
Regarding No. 3, I prefer her earlier recording to it in especially in first movement. But, 2nd and 3rd movement are really great and probably second to none.
No. 4 and No. 5 is also great.
Sinfonia Concertante, I bet nobody else can do better than Mutter and Bashmet.
My suggestion :
If you wanna background music --> Manze OK.
If you wanna more classical music --> Grumiaux
If you love sweetier sound --> Perlman
If you love song (I think this recording shows more operatic and more lirical aspects in Mozart musics than other recordings do) and really want to be absorbed into music --> Mutter !

Mozart: The Violin Concertos.......2006-07-06

Mozart: The Violin Concertos~ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a stunning and amazing recording with brilliant Anne Sophie Mutter. She plays with such bravura, skill and ability that is rarely heard and the only one that I can think of right of hand sitting here typing this is Hillary Hahn, but there could one or two more that have slipped my mind. Mozart is in my humble opinion alone one of the greatest composers of all time and alongst with Wagner, Bach and Beethoven they are the elite of all compositions and are therefore in a league of their own. The complexity of Mozart's work is often deceptive. One hears it and one is struck by its seeming simplicity. However, take a look at the score and one suddenly realizes the complexity and the brilliance that is captured within the mind and spirit of Mozart and verily being a devout Christian at heart I can not help to think that God spent a few extra seconds on the likes of Mozart. Highly recommended without any reservations to connoisseurs of classical music as well as to ordinary listeners whom will surely appreciate the magnificent ability of Anne Sophie Mutter and the amazing compositions created by Mozart.

Carl Stamitz: Sinfonias concertante in C & in D; Viola concertos in A & in D

Average customer rating:

Demeterova is impressive.
Magnificence of Stamitz

Carl Stamitz: Sinfonias concertante in C & in D; Viola concertos in A & in D

Manufacturer: Supraphon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Carl Stamitz: Cello Concertos Nos. 1-3

ASIN: B0009VKRVW
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Customer Reviews:

Demeterova is impressive........2007-06-03

I've never heard the Stamitz Viola Concerto in D played this intense and powerful. Demeterova plays the viola with such characteristic. The cadenza she plays with such soaring authority. She makes the viola sound easy through her effortless technique.

Gabriela Demeterova has done two things here for the general listener:
1)she showcased Stamitz' intention for this concerto
2)she has made the viola sound enjoyable for anyone.

In the Concerto in A major, which is rare in the standard repetoire list, shows, again Demeterova's excellent technique and musicality. She is a master of phrasing.

As for the Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola and the Double Violin concerto, she once again plays with so much character and how should I say...sound presence. Yes. Sound presence.

I don't know why there's only two reviews here.

Musicians, especially violists, ADD THIS TO YOUR CART NOW.

...well?

NOW!

Magnificence of Stamitz.......2006-07-25

As a steadfast Stamitz connoiseur and violist, I must confess that this album displays the undeniable genius of the gifted composer. It is a shame that Stamitz has not maintained the respect and popularity owed to him. In my opinion, Stamitz should be ranked among those other Classical demigods like Haydn or Mozart. These concertos and sinfonias concertantes follow the typical formatting of the Mannheim sonata-form concerto. Although each is styled similarly, they still contain their fair share of brilliancy and splendor. The sweeping runs and delicate trills of the first movements perfectly compliment the passionate and longing moments of the second movements. The third movements provide a folksy/rustic feeling, which was so popular in Stamitz's day. Gabriela Demeterova, a violist of great respectability, only enhances the Stamitz effect with her outstanding virtuosity. I have not heard a better performance of the masterpieces offered here. I have played the Concerto in D Major no. 1 op. 1, and can speak from experience that it rivals any of Mozart's concertos in difficulty and musicality. Stamitz should not be excluded from the CD library of any classical music admirer of good taste.

Bachiana (Music of the Bach Family): Double Concertos - Johann Christian Bach: Sinfonia Concertante in A major / Wilhelm Friedemann Bach: Flute Concerto in D major / Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach: Concerto for Fortepiano & Viola in E flat major / Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach: Concerto for Harpsichord & Fortepiano in E flat major - Musica Antiqua Köln

Average customer rating:

Good Stuff from the Bach Boys
Interesthing evolution to the romantic period

Bachiana (Music of the Bach Family): Double Concertos - Johann Christian Bach: Sinfonia Concertante in A major / Wilhelm Friedemann Bach: Flute Concerto in D major / Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach: Concerto for Fortepiano & Viola in E flat major / Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach: Concerto for Harpsichord & Fortepiano in E flat major - Musica Antiqua Köln
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach , Joachim Fiedler , Reinhard Goebel , Robert Hill , Reinhard Goebel , and Musica Antiqua Köln
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bachiana ~ Music by the Bach Family / Musica Antiqua Köln · Goebel
Bach Sons (Box Set)

ASIN: B000071X9X
Release Date: 2003-02-11

Amazon.com

Bachiana is a sterling collection of concertos by Bach's sons. The most substantial work on this well-filled disc is C.P.E. Bach's Concerto for Harpsichord and Fortepiano from 1788, the year of his death. The two instruments are treated as equals, and the orchestra plays a significant role as well. The first movement offers a unique combination of drama (especially in the forceful orchestral interjections) and piquant wit, also characteristic of the Presto finale. Those movements sandwich a grave Larghetto of austere beauty. It's a deeply personal, perhaps valedictory, work. The other selections have plenty of appeal, too. J.C. Bach's Sinfonia Concertante is a charming work of deceptive lightness. W.F.E. Bach's Flute Concerto opens with a first movement featuring complex textures and moves on to a gently lovely Largo and a delightful Vivace finale. The least known of these four Bachs, J.C.F., contributes a fascinating Concerto for Fortepiano and Viola, notable for fetching interplay between the instruments and the integrated orchestral role. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Good Stuff from the Bach Boys.......2003-11-11

Let's face it. There have been many of these "Sons of Bach" albums, and while they introduce us to the wealth of talent in the Bach family, they often end up just underscoring by how much Johann Sebastian's talent outstripped that of the rest of the clan. I can't say you'll come away from this disc with a new appreciation of Bach's prolific progeny, but I will be surprised if you don't find this is one of the most enjoyable and successful such collections to come along. First, the music. As the notes to this recording point out, Wilhelm Friedemann's concerto is a pretty exciting recent scholarly discovery. I doubt, as the notes suggest, that it has any claim to rival in popularity J. S.'s Suite in B Minor, but I will say this: it is just about the equal of C. P. E. Bach's well-known and admired concertos, with a slow movement that has the tender melodiousness of the best of J. C. Bach, while the outer movements have some of the clever harmonic-melodic twists and turns that C. P. E. is famous for.

Unfortunately, the lone representative here from J. C. is attractive and diverting but not one of his best works. It sounds, as all the lesser pieces by this composer sound, like Mozart without genius. There is better J. C. Bach music around.

But then the work by J. Ch. F. Bach, the least remembered of the Bach sons, is well above what I have heard from him in the past. The Concerto for Fortepiano and Viola is a novel concept, and it is approached with imagination by J. Ch. F. The quality of invention is well sustained in this big work--at almost 26 minutes by far the most substantial composition on the disc. I liked especially the opening movement marked allegro con brio, a successful blend of fire and lyricism. While it is the most striking movement, the others have their moments of beauty and drama too; overall, this is a concerto of great interest.

Last and best is the valedictory concerto of C. P. E. Bach, certainly the greatest of J. S.'s sons. The Concerto for Harpsichord and Fortepiano is an off-beat masterwork in which C. P. E. bids farewell to the harpsichord by playing it off against its young cousin the fortepiano, now in the ascendancy. The concerto is a wonderful exploration of the sonorities of both instruments, and if they were rivals in the music world, here they are instead civilized conversationalists. If you enjoy C. P. E. Bach's strange harmonic explorations and melodies that turn on a dime, here they are in extremely enjoyable abundance. The last movement is a joyous, youthful romp, remarkable coming from the 70-something C. P. E.

If the music is fine, the music making is extraordinary. Musica Antiqua and Goebel always have novel things to say about the novelties they profer, and these performances are no exception. The playing is wonderfully fluid, dramatic when it needs to be (I always love the horns), plangent and tender when that is called for.

Excellent sound rounds out the package: it's close but atmospheric, with great detail as well as timbral realism. I highly recommend this one.

Interesthing evolution to the romantic period.......2003-03-14

After an anthology of the ascendants of J.S.B., Goebel is concernerd about his four sons. The most convincing moment of this Cd is the "Symphonie concertante pour violon et violoncelle", which is elegant and refined. A big surprise: "Le Concerto pour flûte" of Wilhelm Frieedemann is astonishing. It is full of strenght ! The flautist,Verena Fischer,is radiant. The curious concerto of Johann Christoph Friedrich, for " hammerflügel, alto and orchestra" is strange and beautiful. You must hear Robert Hill (formidable at the hammerflügel) hold a dialogue with Reinhard Goebel (alto). This is delightful! The "Concerto pour pianoforte, clavecin et orchestre" of Carl Philipp Emmanuel is the most known piece of this CD. Goebel and his brilliant soloist are palying with a frenzy spirit ! Very stimulating CD !

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Affettuoso
III. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro Assai
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Assai
I. Vivace
II. Largo Ma Non Tanto
III. Allegro

Tracks:

Rhapsody No. 2 (Lassu [Moderato] - Friss [Allegro Moderato])
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Andante Tranquillo
III. Allegro Molto
I. Andante
I. Allegretto (Scherzando)
II. Allegro
II. Adagio

Tracks:

Romance No. 1 In G Major
I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
II. Larghetto
III. Rondo (Allegro) (Cadenza: Kreisler)
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio
III. Finale (Allegro Energico)

Tracks:

Romance No. 2 In F Major, Op. 50
I. Allegro Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Vivace - Poco Piu Presto
I. Allegro Molto Appassionato
II. Andante
III. Allegretto Non Troppo - Allegro Molto Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro Molto
I. Andante Tranquillo
II. Presto Capriccioso Alla Napolitana & Trio (Canzonetta)
III. Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro Moderato (Cadenza: Menuhin)
II. Adagio Molto
III. Finale (Presto) (Cadenza: Menuhin)
I. Allegro
II. Andante Cantabile
III. Rondo (Andante Grazioso - Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
I. Allegro Maestoso
II. Andante
III. Presto

Tracks:

I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Scherzando (Allegro Molto)
III. Intermezzo (Allegretto Non Troppo)
IV. Andante
V. Rondo (Allegro)
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Andantino Quasi Allegretto
III. Molto Moderato E Maestoso - Allegro Non Troppo
Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
Havanaise, Op. 83

Tracks:

I. Allegro Maestoso (Cadenza: Emile Sauret)
II. Adagio Espressivo
III. Rondo (Allegro Spiritoso)
I. Andante - Moderato - Cadenza
II. Adagio Religioso
III. Scherzo (Vivace) & Trio
IV. Finale (Allegro)
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Cadenza
III. Adagio
IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

Serenade Melancolique
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio Di Molto
III. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
I. Praeludium (Largo)
I. Allegro Cavalleresco
II. Intermezzo (Poco Adagio)
II. Rondo (Allegretto Scherzando)

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Largo
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Non Molto
II. Adagio
III. Presto
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Non Molto
II. Largo
III. Allegro
I. Vivace - Allegro - Adagio - Vivace - Allegro - Largo Andante
II. Allegro
III. Grave - Andante Largo - Allegro
Fantasia Concertante On A Theme Of Corelli

Customer Reviews:

Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations.......2004-01-06

The recent trend toward classical box sets focusing on the performer instead of the composer (see my reviews of the various DG/Decca "Original Masters" sets) continues with EMI's new "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist." Sure EMI's past sets have showcased individual performances by Samson Francois, Eugen Jochum and Rudolf Kempe to name a few, but it was always under the heading of a given composer's works, and in the cases mentioned above, to Chopin's piano pieces, Bruckner's Symphonies and Strauss' Orchestral Works respectively. Therefore, this Menuhin collection is the first of EMI's "Budget Box Sets" to showcase a performer playing the works of a variety of composers.

As Menuhin was an EMI recording artist for an incredible 68 years (1931-99), his performances for the label number in the hundreds. With so much music from which to choose, this 10-disc set aims "to highlight some of those alternative versions, including recordings that have not been easily available since the days of LP and others that have never previously appeared on CD." Therefore, the obvious mainstream, easily attainable recordings are omitted here -- for example, the Beethoven/Mendelssohn VCs with Furtwangler, the Elgar VC with the composer conducting, and the Bruch/Mendelssohn VCs with Susskind and Kurtz.

However, a lot of this material has been on disc before on titles which the serious collector most likely already owns. Most of the Bach is currently available as part of the Bach "Budget Box Series" title. The Bruch, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Vivaldi VCs were all available in the now out-of-print 2CD EMI Seraphim series. The Elgar and the Walton are still available in the "British Composers" series. And perhaps most annoyingly, the previously unpublished Beethoven VC and Tchaikovsky "Serenade melancolique" (available as a single disc), and the Beethoven Romance No. 2 (available on an EMI Encore title) were both reissued just a few months back.

But let's focus on the positive, which are the other rare performances, the most significant being the never before reissued 1954 performance of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4 with John Pritchard and the Philharmonia. Other elusive recordings include Viuextemps and Paganini VCs with Fistoulari, Lalo and Saint-Saens works with Goossens, and excellent Berg and Bartok accounts with Boulez. Though I'm delighted at their inclusion, of lesser importance is a 1965 Bartok VC No. 2 with Dorati -- his mono EMI with Furtwangler and an earlier account with Dorati on Mercury Living Presence are far superior. Also, neither the Sibelius (Boult, 1955) nor Nielsen (Woldike, 1952) Concertos are truly Menuhin's cups of tea.

My last complaint has to do with the packaging. I know I'm being rather trite but it seems that EMI has taken the "slim" out of slim, paper-sleeved box sets with their latest batch of releases. Both this title and the new box of Liszt Orchestral Works by Masur are noticeably thicker than previous EMI sets featuring a similar number of discs. A minor point, but us serious classical collectors need every centimeter of space on our increasingly crowded CD shelves, not to mention the amount of wasted packaging.

Overall though, despite the fact that "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist" is not as essential a reissue as its counterparts in the "Original Masters" series, it is a delightful set that most collectors will thoroughly enjoy.

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 2 & 4; Sinfonia concertante

Average customer rating:

Genius on the wrong track... again
Ma;ybe Not the Right Guy for the Job
Fiddled-with Mozart, mostly slow and recessive

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 2 & 4; Sinfonia concertante

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (Hybr)
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Carl Nielsen, Orchestral Music

ASIN: B000KC82MG
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

I. Allegro Maestoso
II. Andante
III. Presto
I. Allegro
II. Andante Cantabile
III. Rondeau: Andante Grazioso - Allegro Non Troppo
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Andante
III. Rondeau: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Genius on the wrong track... again.......2007-07-22

A true enigma, Vengerov. In person one of the most extraordinary fiddlers I've heard. Yet, his recordings have been variable at best. For every Shostakovich/Prokofiev 1 (with Rostropovich, surprise!), there's a substandard Sibelius/Nielsen (with Barenboim, no surprise). For every delightful "Vengerov with Virtuosi" from 2001, there's, well, this misbegotten Mozart programme. From the lugubrious opening bars of the Sinfonia Concertante to the two concerti, this is terrible stuff - boring and unMozartian. What should be clear by now is Vengerov is more dependent than most on the musical opinions of his collaborators. When his is the primary musical intellect, you're likely to end up with something that sounds no way like the work of a great artist.... something like this.

Ma;ybe Not the Right Guy for the Job.......2007-05-12

No question Vengerov is a superb virtuoso violinist, but his interpretations of Mozart's lovely concertos seem to find him ill at ease or at least uncertain about how to proceed with the material. He just never seems to get quite comfortable, as is evident in the slow movements where his playing of the beautiful melodies never come close to acquiring the required sense of grace and elegance that they should possess. For a performer who so magically mastered the complexities of Shostakovich and Prokofiev, Vengerov has yet to resolve a set of very different challenges in Mozart's far less technically demanding concertos. Great sounding CD, though.

Fiddled-with Mozart, mostly slow and recessive.......2007-04-15

I'm rarely startled by the opening bars of a performance as much as when Vengerov begins the great Mozart Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat K. 364. Not only is the tempo quite measured, but there is a strong accented push on the thrid chord, a touch not heard in other readings. One also notes the period-flavor violin tone with its minimal vibrato. A few bars later we get more quirky accents from the oboes, so it's apparent that Vengerov has something new to say. Subduing his vvirtuosity completely, his first entry is understated, almost recessive. Violist Lawrence Power follows his lead in a performance that can be called either thoughtful or lagging. There's little joy or excitement, a shock from the great Russian violinist, who serves as his own conductor, and a routine one at that. There are lots of personal touches throughout in terms of phrasing and accents, but since it's Vengerov who invented them and not Mozart, I found most of them jarring.

The coupling consists of two Mozart violin concertos, the second and fourth, played in the same understated style, the allegro finales being distinctly pale and joyless. One hears how refined Vengerov wants to be, and yet I never quite paid attention. The Verbier Festival Orch. is expert, and EMI's sound is fine. But in the end I felt that Vengerov was primarily palying for himself.

Average customer rating:

Heifetz sharing the limelight
Great CD.
requires a certain type of listener
Heifetz at his Best!!!!!
riveting

Heifetz: Double Concertos

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B00003OP6J
Release Date: 2000-01-11

Tracks:

Concerto In D Minor For Two Violins: Vivace
Concerto In D Minor For Two Violins: Largo ma non tanto
Concerto In D Minor For Two Violins: Allegro
Sinfonia Concertante In E-Flat: Allegro maestoso
Sinfonia Concertante In E-Flat: Andante
Sinfonia Concertante In E-Flat: Presto
Concerto In A Minor For Violin And Cello, Op. 102: Allegro
Concerto In A Minor For Violin And Cello, Op. 102: Andante
Concerto In A Minor For Violin And Cello, Op. 102: Vivace non troppo

Customer Reviews:

Heifetz sharing the limelight.......2005-07-19

This must be, quite frankly, the best Bach Double Concerto ever put on disc. Sir Malcolm Sargent - largely forgotten these days, one fears - directs a trenchant performance that storms into one's consciousness from the very opening bar. The result (when added to the delightful give-and-take which Heifetz and his former pupil Erick Friedman exhibit) is that even those weary unto death of so hackneyed a work will find themselves falling in love with it afresh.

If the Bach performance is great, the Mozart is perhaps still greater, displaying a depth all too rare in more conventional interpretations. The central slow movement reveals elegiac passion - Heifetz sharing the limelight with the less flamboyant Primrose - which is more readily associated with Mozart's very last pieces. Those of us who for years had reconciled ourselves to considering the SINFONIA CONCERTANTE rather dull can now, thanks to Heifetz and Primrose, appreciate the composition's true excellence.

Only the Brahms disappoints: captured in sound as remorselessly dry as anything which RCA ever inflicted on Toscanini, and with conducting (by Alfred Wallenstein) that skates over Brahms's surface rather than digging in to his substance. The sonic dryness must have been a deliberate engineering decision, since no trace of it mars the Bach (recorded in England), and since even the Mozart (same venue as the Brahms) is easier on the ears. A mostly treasurable collection, even so; its attractiveness is increased by RCA's decision to reprint the original LPs' annotations.

Great CD........2002-11-10

With the early music movement well in place, one can appreciate Heifetz' tempi and smoothness of interpretation, which contrasts with the more 'romantic' approaches to Bach and Baroque music in general at the time of this recording. With most Bach double violin recordings, I am often tempted to hit the track button and move on. With this recording, I feel guilty if I don't listen to the whole movement. I was impressed at the way the violins are well balanced on this re-issue. Usually, Heifetz gets the microphone!

As for the Mozart, Primrose shows great athletic prowess on the viola, and at times gives a more convincing rendition of some of the passage work of the Sinfonia. However, one is always charmed with the sweeping phrases of Heifetz. The style of play between the two is not entirely opposed, but it is noticeable, and can be very educational to listen carefully to the different ways they execute. Primrose always thought that Heifetz could have been even better had he played with a lower bow arm!

Finally, this Brahms is one of the classic renditions, although I think Feuermann was a better match for Heifetz. Nevertheless, Piatigorsky's poetry makes up for any lack of technical wizardry, especially in the more lyrical passages.

Enjoy!

requires a certain type of listener.......2002-06-30

I hate Mozart, and Bach's double is a million miles below Heifetz's level. As for the Brahms, all the technical things were there, but there was one thing missing, INTENSITY!!! Bramns is [poor] if the intensity isn't there, and some of the parts that require exploding just get punched, and the typical aloffness of brahms isn't there. Heifetz is of course amazing, and he is not at fault for these shortcomings. The Conductor and the Orchestra were horreible, and I feel bad that Heifetz had to play with such placid accompianists

Go and buy the recording with Itzahk and Yo-Yo Ma, the two are a perfect match, and Barenboim evokes all the intensity one could handle from a superb Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Heifetz at his Best!!!!!.......2001-12-20

This CD is one to cherish, not just because it is Heifetz. But because it is music. I love the Vivace in the first movement of the Bach double concerto. I have never heard anyone do it at such a brisk pace. Most recordings of it sound dull and boring. This one is breathing life in every note. Heifetz's ability to collaborate with others has always been a problem, but is not very noticeable here. In the Bach Double Concerto, he colaborates with Erick Friedman, a former pupil of his. The sounds of the two violins complement each other so well, you can sometimes forget who is playing what part!! In the Brahms Double concerto for violin and cello, you notice that he and Piatgorsky are completely in sync for the octaves in the beginning of the piece. It is heavenly. The Mozart Sinfonia Concertante was a delight to listen to. It is one of the few classical pieces you will find that use scordatura, which is the changing of the tuning of the strings. Mozart loved the viola, and the music here is exquisitely written for viola. Since the music is basically echoed by the violin an octave higher, you can also say that it is exquisitely written for violin. If you are pondering which Heifetz CD to buy, BUY THIS ONE!!!!!!!!!

riveting.......2000-02-17

The Double Bach is simply heavenly. I listened to the Grumaiux-Krebbers and Oistrach father and son versions. The Heifetz-Friedman is still my top choice - the duo make the music sing out its yearning romanticism. Sound is superb too.

Average customer rating:

Superb!
Lyrical, Powerful, Moving Mozart
Buy it if you love mozart and violin
One of the most beutiful Mozart ever
Mozart: The Violin Concertos

Mozart: The Violin Concertos

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1; Spohr: Violin Concerto No. 8

ASIN: B000AD1IQ2
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

Allegro moderato
Andante
Rondeau (Allegro)
Allegro moderato
Adagio
Presto
Allegro aperto
Adagio
Rondeau (Tempo di minuetto)

Tracks:

Allegro
Andante cantabile
Rondeau (Andante grazioso - Allegro ma non troppo)
Allegro
Adagio
Rondo (Allegro)
Allegro maestoso
Andante
Presto

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Superb!.......2007-06-21

I wil be brief. These remarable pieces are played beautifully and insightfully by Ms. Mutter. No Mozart worshiper should be without these recordings.

Lyrical, Powerful, Moving Mozart.......2007-03-16

Buy it if you love mozart and violin.......2007-01-03

One of the most beutiful Mozart ever.......2006-12-22

Mozart: The Violin Concertos.......2006-07-06

Average customer rating:

Great deal!

Stamitz: Clarinet Concertos, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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Stamitz:Clarinet Concertos Vol. 2
Carl Stamitz: Cello Concertos Nos. 1-3
Spohr: Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1 & 3
Krommer: Clarinet Concertos Opp. 35, 36 & 91
Stamitz: Symphonies Vol. 1

ASIN: B0000014EA
Release Date: 2000-10-05

Tracks:

Cl Con No.1 in F: Allegro - Kalman Berkes/Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinf
Cl Con No.1 in F: Andante moderato - Kalman Berkes/Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinf
Cl Con No.1 in F: Rondeau: Allegro - Kalman Berkes/Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinf
Double Cl Con In B flat: Allegro - Kalman Berkes/Tomoko Takashima/Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinf
Double Cl Con In B flat: Andante moderato - Kalman Berkes/Tomoko Takashima/Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinf
Double Cl Con In B flat: Allegro - Kalman Berkes/Tomoko Takashima/Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinf
Cl and Bn in B flat: Allegro moderato - Kalman Berkes/Koji Okazaki/Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinf
Cl and Bn in B flat: Andante moderato - Kalman Berkes/Koji Okazaki/Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinf
Cl and Bn in B flat: Rondo - Kalman Berkes/Koji Okazaki/Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinf

Customer Reviews:

Great deal!.......2001-07-11

Stamitz's concerti are prime example of music of his time. On this CD, most of the selections are played very well. I bought this CD to use as a model for myself and my clarinet students who are playing Stamitz's concerto, and you cant beat the price! The only thing I thought could've been focused on a bit more would be the interpretation and articulation choices in the first movement of the double concerto, at times they didn't match. Overall, an excellent representation of Stamitz.

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