Tchaikovsky: Violin Concertos

Track Listings

1. Allegro Moderato

2. Canzonetta. Andante

3. Finale- Allegro Vivacissimo

4. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In E Minor- Allegro Molto- Andante Espressivo

5. Adagio

6. Andante Espressivo- Cadenza

Customer Reviews:

the definitive Tchaikovsky version.......2007-02-19

To me this simply is the Tchaikovsky version to have, particularly in the now improved sound quality. Probably the same could not be said about the Brahms, but the Tchaikovsky alone is well worth the cost of the SACD.

Legendary performances in sound that shows what's going on.......2006-05-01

While I believe the Brahms violin concerton is the "Emporer" of violin concertos -- principally for its well-developed architecture -- I never cared much for Heifitz's version of the concerto. Although his early stereo recording with the Chicago Symphony and Reiner was played up to his standard, I always thought their collaboration produced an impatient recording, as if they couldn't get it finished quickly enough.

What a difference SACD makes! Now, when I listen to this work, I have a much different reaction. Hearing Heifitz located on the stage just a few steps from where Reiner is leading his band, this now sounds to me more impassioned than ever before, as if the chemistry between the two highly driven performers and the virtuoso orchestra resulted in a fast reading that was driven by a burning passion and not impatience.

So what happened; does the SACD recording show a different reality or did I just get older and appreciate the greatness of these performers more in my maturity?

I think both things happened. I know I appreciate Heifitz a lot more in SACD than I ever did in stereo and the sound on this SACD -- especially when I listen with headphones -- brings dimension to the recording that never existed before. It also shows the level of detail Reiner required from his orchestra and its ability to meet his technical demands.

I enjoyed the Tchaikovksy concerto that is mated with the Brahms here but less so. The chemistry doesn't seem to be the same between the partners, who were both high profile literalits in mid 20th century. Their collective insistence on literalism probably took some of the Slavic character away from the Tchaikovsky concerto, making it another top European concerto from the late Romantic period instead of an individual opus.

I listened to Heifitz's SACD recording of the Sibelius concerto after hearing the Tchaikovksy. There, Heifitz delivered a more characterful and intense performance that projected the icy Scandanavian nature of the composer. This is the element I think the Tchaikovsky concerto lacks -- the overwhelming passion of the emotionally charged and conflicted Russian composer.

Still, this is a great CD replicated in up to the minute super audio sound that usesof all three forward speakers without surround sound. RCA tells us in its technical packaging that the third speaker is a come and go proposition in SACD reissues because that's the way they were recorded. I noticed the middle channel in use every time I got next to the speaker in this recording.

This should appeal to music historians, fans of the two concertos, musicologists and audiophiles that want to know what three-channel recordings sounded like in the early days of stereo. Even this slight misgiving I have about the Tchaikovsky, this CD powerfully appeals to me.

Heifetz deserves this new technology.......2006-01-30

The violini is the most difficult instrument to record, and when digital sound came in during the Eighties, music lovers were dismayed by the edgy, glassy harshness of violin recordings, both solo and orchestral. Compared to the warmer, more natural sound of the best LPs, the advent of CDs was a huge step backward. Upgrades into 20-bit and 24-bit technology improved matters somewhat, but only now, with SACD, are we back to violin recordings that don't make you wince.

This classic pairing of Brahms and Tchaikovsky concertos with Heifetz and Reiner was always in good sound, despite the early recording dates, 1955 and 1957 respectively (the Tchaikovsky being the far superior one sonically). I bought this hybrid SACD to play in normal two-channel CD format, and it is impeccable. There is still a hint of wiriness in Heifetz's tone in the Brahms, but the Tchaikovsky sounds completely natural. Heifetz is far from my favorite violinist, but he deserves the best sound possible, and for the time being at least, he has it.

Tchaikovsky & Mendelssohn Violin Concertos

Average customer rating:

Superb versions of the violin concerti!
Must Have CD

Tchaikovsky & Mendelssohn Violin Concertos

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77

ASIN: B0000AF1KT
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

I. Allegro Moderato
II. Canzonetta (Andante)
III. Allegro Vivacissimo
Serenade Melancolique
I. Allegro Molto Appasionato
II. Andante
Leadout

Customer Reviews:

Superb versions of the violin concerti!.......2005-03-14

I was familiar with both Violin Concerti before my purchase, but since I am just starting to work on my own collection, did not own any version of either of them. I chose this CD at the store because of the relatively prestigious reputations of all performers and conductors, even though there were cheaper options. I have not been dissapointed! These versions of the Violin Concerti are without a doubt my favorite to date and this has become one of my most played CDs. I would highly reccommend this CD.

Must Have CD.......2005-02-16

This is the one CD that every lover of classical music must have. No greater performance in the genre of violin concertos has ever been recorded. Perlman is at the height of his craft.
Absolutely fabulous!!!

Average customer rating:

Warm and passionate Stern, masterful Ormandy
Great
Very fine versions of these two concertos
A must have for Stern fans, others shop around
Not too bad, but certainly not great.

Tchaikovsky, Sibelius: Violin Concertos

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto In E Minor, Op. 64 / Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 35

ASIN: B000002AXW
Release Date: 1995-05-16

Tracks:

Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In D Major, Op. 35: I. Allegro moderato
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In D Major, Op. 35: II. Conzonetta. Andante
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In D Major, Op. 35: III. Finale. Allegro vivacissimo
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor, op. 47: I. Allegro moderato
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor, op. 47: II. Adagio di molto
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor, op. 47: III. Allegro, ma non tanto

Customer Reviews:

Warm and passionate Stern, masterful Ormandy.......2003-11-13

I can never pass up a good Sibelius Violin Concerto and picked this CD up for a couple of bucks in a bargain bin. Needless to say, it was well worth it. I've never been very impressed with recordings from the '60s, but this one is excellent. The acoustics are superb -- obviously not as good as modern ones, but not "muddy", as the reviewer below said. The Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra sounds outstanding on this recording, and Ormandy is a master. For example, there are parts of the Tchaikovsky concerto where the orchestra's playing is even more breathtaking than Stern's. Is that possible? Ormandy jumps strongly into the rollicking 3rd movement of the Sibelius concerto, unlike a lot of the limp and flaccid performances I've heard under other conductors. And of course, Stern is phenomenal here: it may not his best disc, but it's definitely a very good one. He is characteristically warm and passionate, eschewing show-offy technical fireworks for a down-to-earth and very emotional style. His playing can be just slightly loud in places on this disc (which probably has more to do with the placement of the microphone than anything else), but overall it's a fantastic recording. Five stars.

Great.......2001-07-04

This has to be one of my favorite CDs. Peter Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto has to be one of my favorite pieces by the violin, and Jean Siblius does a great job on his too. Isaac Stern does a great job, making only one mistake in the third movement of the Tchaikovsky piece. As always, Eugene Ormandy does a great job conducting his Philadelphia Orchestra. I find this an almost perfect replica of what Peter Tchaikovsky and Jean Sibelius pictured when they composed their pieces. This is a very good price considering that I have seen it in bookstores for [a lot more]....

Very fine versions of these two concertos.......2001-02-20

These are wonderful performances, full of the flair that made Stern famous. I was glad Sony chose this particular version of the Tchaikovsky with Ormandy and the Philadelphians for his "Life in Music" series, rather than Stern's later version with Berstein and the NYPO. This earlier recording captures Stern with more spontaneity and displays his virtuosity to greater effect. The faster passages of the Tchaikovsky are handled with ease, even at speeds faster than normally heard. The Sibelius was recorded much later and therefore has slightly better sound but the performance again is on a very high level. It may not be THE best version of this concerto out there, but it is very satisfying. Overall I would recommend this recording.

A must have for Stern fans, others shop around.......2000-05-10

The Tchaikovsky dates from the 1950's and the recording shows its age, although Sony has done an admirable remastering job. The violin is placed very forward in relation to the mic, which captures Stern very well. The fluidity and technical precision he exhibits in the quick passage work reminds me of Heifetz in his almost robotic ability to hit every note. To Stern's credit, he is considerably more poetic than Heifetz in this particular work. This might even be a top recommendation if not for the orchestra not being captured very well. The orchestra is too far back and sounds a bit muddy. The sound in the Sibelius is much better (recording from late 1960's), but Stern's performance is not on a par with the Tchaikovsky. It is quite adequate and probably better than average, but it is missing that last bit of dark mystery I associate with this piece. This reading pales in comparison to Lin/Salonen on Sony, Repin/Krivine on Erato, and Kennedy/Rattle on EMI.

Not too bad, but certainly not great........1999-12-22

The Tchaikovsky on this album is good, very good, but the Sibelius is somewhat mediocre. I have other recordings of Isaac Stern, and they are quite good, but a master of violin can't always get it perfect, and the Sibelius concerto here makes that obvious. Much better, in my opinion, is the recording with Anne-Sophie Mutter, and even better is the Heifetz (although the quality of the recording isn't that good, it's still a great performance).

Classical Evolution: Concertos Piano Violin & Orch

Average customer rating:

This is an excellent performance

Classical Evolution: Concertos Piano Violin & Orch
Tchaikovsky
Manufacturer: Delta
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ASIN: B000065AQ2
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

Allegro Non Troppo E Molto Maestoso - Jeno Jando
Andantino Semplice - Prestissimo - Tempo 1 - Jeno Jando
Allegro Con Fuoco - Jeno Jando
Allegro Moderato - Emmy Verhey
Andante - Emmy Verhey
Allegro Vivacissimo - Emmy Verhey

Customer Reviews:

This is an excellent performance.......2007-02-26

Even though this is a budget classical CD, it offers excellent performances by Jeno Jando (Tchaikovsky piano concerto #1) and Emmy Verhey (Tchaikovsky violin concerto). Jeno Jando is featured in the Naxos label and he is an excellent artist. Emmy Verhey is not as well-known but her re-endition of the violin concerto is very musical and energetic. Jando is backed up by the Budapest Philharmonic (conducted by Andras Ligeti) and Verhey is backed up by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Arpad Joo). I am a collector of Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto #1/ Violin Concerto CDs and I have many different higher-priced versions. I still enjoy listening to this CD.

This CD used to be under the Laserlight label under a different cover. It was rated 5 stars (outstanding) by Penguin Budget Classical CD guide in 1992.

The sound quality of this CD will not compare with higher-priced CDs (it is a bit on the soft side so you have to turn up the volume), but for the very low cost, this CD is a real bargain. I don't know about the other performances under this budget label, but I can vouch for this one. Give it a try and see. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Average customer rating:

Amazing!!!
Beautiful Recordings
The Fiddler Mounts a Warhorse and Rides on a Stallion!
Repin is excellent, Gergiev is not
Fantastic

Violin Concertos
Nikolay Myaskovsky , Valery Gergiev , Vadim Repin , and Kirov Orchestra
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tchaikovsky Symphonic Poems / Manfred Symphony

ASIN: B00006L77E
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Tracks:

I. Allegro Moderato
II. Canzonetta
III. Finale: Allegro Vivacissimo
I. Allegro
II. Adagio E Molto Cantabile
III. Allegro Molto - Allegro Scherzando

Amazon.com

The catalogue abounds with great recordings of the Tchaikovsky, from Heifetz to Vengerov, but when a new one is as fresh and exciting as this one, it's folly to pass it by. Repin has the big, full-bodied tone to play the work with the lush energy it requires, and between them, he and Gergiev strike sparks with their open-hearted, emotionally grand reading. Even if you have many versions of the Tchaikovsky, the Myaskovsky is a must-have for lovers of Romantic violin concertos. It's chock-full of hummable tunes, an achingly lovely slow movement with gorgeous violin pirouettes around enchanting wind solos, and a zippy finale where Repin's bowing and pizzicatos are dazzling. And the orchestra really struts its stuff. Adding to the impact of this disc is that these are live recordings in vibrant sound. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Amazing!!!.......2005-11-27

After reading many positive reviews of this recording I decided to give it a try! I have a couple of different versions of the concerto by Tchaikovsky, but this one is really ouststanding!

Repin plays with a passion that leaves you breathless! It is quite amazing! If you like this concerto you have to give this recording a try! You'll love it!

The Myaskovsky violin concerto is an excellent coupling! A beautiful concerto indeed!

Beautiful Recordings.......2005-07-29

There are many excellent recordings of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto and this one is among them. It is ironic that the concerto was so poorly received. The comment by the Viennese music critic Hanslick, that Tchaikovsky's music smelled bad to the ears, has long since been discredited but at the premiere of the concerto in 1881 such comments devastated the composer. Today, the Tchaikovsky is universally accepted as among the most beautiful of concertos for the violin.

This was this first time I heard the Siberian born violinist Vadim Repin and from the instant he plays he astonishes. His control and phrasing is simply amazing. The tone of his 1708 Stradivarius is phenomenal. In Repin's hands the instrument sings. The Kirov Orchestra plays beautifully with excellent phrasing and Valery Gergiev is responsive to the shadings of the music. This disc joined the other records I have of the Tchaikovsky by Heifitz, Yehudi Menuhin and David Oistrakh.

I find I disagree with the reviewer who criticized the choice of including the Myaskovsky Violin Concerto. This certainly is a concerto that deserves to be better known. There are too many Violin Concertos that are languishing because the more popular ones are programmed. I would much rather have a coupling that would include the Bruch 3rd or the Saint-Sans 2nd than yet another Tchaikovsky/Sibelius combination.

A close friend of Prokofiev, Nicolai Myaskovsky remained in Russia following the October Revolution. His violin concerto was composed in 1938 and was first performed by David Oistrakh in 1939 (and recorded by him). Myaskovsky spent time studying other violin concerti before writing his own, deciding that instead of bravura piece his would be a concerto to interest a virtuoso. It is, like much of Myaskovsky's music, brooding in character. The long first movement, at almost 20 minutes, is longer than the remaining parts of the concerto; it beings with a dramatic theme that will reoccur during the movement and is generally melancholy in tone. The soloist has a long cadenza that allows a display of virtuosity. The middle movement is lyrical and the dance-like theme of the finale bring the concerto to a close on a high note. This is a concerto that the listener will find more beautiful with each hearing. Vadim Repin is beautifully eloquent in this concerto, again marvelously supported by Gergiev and the Kirov.

This is definitely a CD to have even it you already have recordings of either (or both) concertos already.

The Fiddler Mounts a Warhorse and Rides on a Stallion!.......2005-04-30

While there are no performers who can permanently claim or be bestowed ownership of a certain musical work, it seems that for the time at least Vadim Repin has made Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto his imprint on performance history. The 34-year-old Siberian violinist is a stunningly fine musician and performer and instantly makes his presence on the stage pulsatile. Having just had the privilege of hearing Repin play this concerto in the inimitable acoustic of Disney Hall with the Los Angeles Philharmonic guest conducted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya encouraged me to add this recording with Valery Gergiev and the Kirov Orchestra and while the magic of a live performance where Repin commands the stage and the aural atmosphere can never be duplicated on CD, this 'live performance' comes as close to that immediacy as any available.

Repin plays a Stradivarius 'Ruby' 1708 violin and the range of color and tone and digital dexterity response he pulls form that instrument is nothing short of magnificent. At every point on Tchaikovsky's demanding concerto's spectrum Repin is in complete and impassioned control. He is a technical wizard, but more important he is a poet. The Andante movement is disarmingly plangent and luminous. Some may feel that Gergiev's orchestral support is not as committed to emotion as it is to dazzling effects, but the two seem to hold a like view of the work and the collaboration is sound. The performance with the LA Phil found more introspection and sensitive phrasing, but this live performance on CD is full of glories.

Including the Myaskovsky concerto on the same CD is a welcome bonus for those unfamiliar with this ultra-romantic composer's output. Repin and Gergiev give this richly melodic work a spellbinding performance.

Vadim Repin has the talent, the bravura, and the eloquence to enter to the upper echelon of current violinists. The fact that he is also committed to performing contemporary works in addition to the sure-to-please standard repertoire speaks well for his musicianship and dedication to his craft. This is an excellent addition to everyone's library, no matter how many 'favorites' of these works you own. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, April 05

Repin is excellent, Gergiev is not.......2004-04-28

Repin's performance of these 2 concertos is excellent. He captures the mood and technical difficulties superbly, however, Gergiev tempos are much too fast in the Tchaikovsky, which lessens the beauty of this work and forces Repin to play too fast. I just could not savor the music and the phrasing. Much of the nuances get lost, and it does not add to the drama as you might expect a fast tempo to do. Philips recording has a problem with balance. Repin's violin is much too loud compared to the orchestra which lessens the impact of the crescendos. The Myaskovsky concerto is good, but I would agree with one review that recommended Oistrakh performance (available on Classica D'Oro #9006 or #2010 or Pearl #9295) or get Grubert's performance on Naxos (ASIN: B0000DJEM3). For the Tchaikovsky, I highly recommend the Milstein/Abbado recording on Decca 460619, which captures the phrasing, poetry, beauty and drama of the Tchaikovsky.

Fantastic.......2004-04-04

I cannot say whether technically this recording and artistry is better than the so called standard by Vengerov but I can say that it leaves one breathless.The Vengerov version is also beautiful but this seems to sparkle.

Tchaikovsky, Wienawski, Brahms, Schumann: Violin Concertos

Average customer rating:

Observing Growth, Thanks to Re-Issued Recordings
Beautifully played concertos for a fantastic price
Cheap ploy by Decca

Tchaikovsky, Wienawski, Brahms, Schumann: Violin Concertos

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007WQHVM
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

I. Allegro Moderato
II. Canzonetta: Andante
III. Finale: Allegro Vivacissimo
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Romance
III. Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Vivace
I. In Kraftigem, Nicht Zu Schnellem Tempo
II. Langsam
III. Lebhaft, Doch Nicht Schnell

Customer Reviews:

Observing Growth, Thanks to Re-Issued Recordings.......2006-11-04

Joshua Bell is a very fine violinist and musician and continues to grow into his innate talent. Though this re-issue is of recordings of warhorses made in his early years, the individual works are quite strong and satisfying on many levels. But the true joy of owning this CD is using it as a reference point of Joshua Bell's growth as a performer and interpreter.

The CD includes the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35, the dazzling Wieniawski Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 22, Schumann's Violin Concerto in D minor, WoO 23 and the Brahms Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77 - recorded with the Cleveland Orchestra conducted by Ashkenazy. It is this last concerto this listener wishes to address.

Joshua Bell is currently 'in residence' with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and his most recent spectacular performance was the Brahms' concerto with Jonathan Nott guest conducting. Bell is so much more in control of this fiendish work now than he was with the original recording. His tone is bigger, his phrasing is even more eloquent and he now is so familiar with this great work that he uses his own cadenza in the long first movement, a welcome break with current tradition. His playing is opulent, precise, and radiant and his involvement with the orchestra and conductor is at one with the moment. Now, returning to this CD, it is refreshingly apparent how artists grow and find maturity and depth in performing works that are standards of the repertoire. This recording is a fine one standing on its own merits, but it is an indispensable one for following the careers of the truly fine performers on the stages today. Highly recommended for those reasons. Grady Harp, November 06

Beautifully played concertos for a fantastic price.......2005-05-23

Decca has been re-releasing some of Joshua Bell's previously out-of-print recordings at a lower cost (allegedly to celebrate his 20-year recording anniversary). The works on this particular 2-disc set include the violin concertos of Tchaikovsky, Wieniawski, Schumann, and Brahms. Bell is accompanied by the Cleveland Orchestra, conducted by either Vladimir Ashkenazy (the Tchaikovsky and the Wieniawski) or Christoph von Dohnányi (the Brahms and the Schumann). The digital recordings boast the crystal clear sound that Decca's engineers are known for.

Though Bell was only 20 years old when some of these works were recorded, his playing is fresh and exciting, and his technique is nearly flawless. Bell plays these well-known Romantic melodies with a warm, beautiful sound and with natural (yet spontaneous) phrasing. Bell's intonation is quite good throughout (there are just a few sharp high notes), and the cadenzas and highly technical passages are pulled off with stunning virtuosity and grace. There is not a single moment where Bell sounds unsure of himself.

The Cleveland Orchestra (under both batons) is fantastic. The orchestra is perfectly balanced with the solo violin, as well as with itself. The accompanying woodwind passages are clear and beautiful, the strings are warm and unobtrusive, and the brass sound is powerful, yet well contained.

One could argue that some of these concertos (especially the Tchaikovsky) are better performed by the youth. You will have the opportunity to decide for yourself when Sony releases Bell's new live recording of the Tchaikovsky with the Berlin Philharmonic next month. If the Tchaikovsky is your main motivation, you might want to wait until the new recording is released before deciding which you prefer. On the flip side, since you get four concertos with this set, you might consider buying this as well as Bell's upcoming release. In any case, I do not hesitate strongly recommending this recording. I would feel comfortable if this was my only recording of these concertos, and the price for two discs secures my 5-star review.

EDIT (September 23, 2005): Joshua Bell's new account of the Tchaikovsky concerto was released this month. Since this is not a review for that album, I will not go into detail about it here. But I will say that it is absolutely fantastic. Because you get much more bang for your buck, I still highly recommend this 2-disc set. However, if you are only after the Tchaikovsky and don't care about the other concertos in this set (gasp!), I suggest getting the new recording. (An easy solution, though, is to get them both!)

Cheap ploy by Decca.......2005-04-24

It's pretty lame of Decca to re-release this old recording of Bell playing the Tchaikovsky just a few months before Sony releases a brand new one.

Save yourself a twenty and wait for the Sony version. Bell plays the Tchaikovsky *much* better at 36 than he did at 19.

Average customer rating:

What the heck is happening to Mutter???
Mutter, as usual, outdo everyone
Technique with Heart
Two musicians in love
A Fine Rendition of the Korngold

Tchaikovsky, Korngold: Violin Concertos
Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Anne-Sophie Mutter , Andre Previn , and Vienna Philharmonic and London Symphony
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002U9G7G
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

I. Allegro Moderato
II. Canzonetta. Andante - Attacca
III. Finale. Allegro Vivacissimo
I. Moderato Nobile
II. Romance. Andante
III. Finale. Allegro Assai Vivace

Amazon.com

Anne-Sophie Mutter's virtuosity is so crystal clear that she doesn't even have to try any more. The ease with which she gets into her first solo in the Tchaikovsky is astounding--we hardly know what hit us--and she tackles the cadenza as if it were just another integral part of the work, rather than draw attention to the fact that it's a rather awkward cadenza at that. Her attacks are clean and strong and her tone is always deep and round; this is the epitome of the Romantic approach. The final movement draws attention to itself somewhat, but the listener remains dazzled. The Korngold is a horse of a different color, with the orchestra endlessly commenting on the comings and goings of the violin and Mutter leading and adding to the festivities. She puts aside her usual barbed approach for a very gentle entry into the slow movement and the high trills and show-offishness in the last movement are playful and sparkling. Conductor Previn clearly knows and loves these works too, and the recording is very clear, with the violin very closely miked. This is grand playing and a big listening experience. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

What the heck is happening to Mutter???.......2006-07-29

Sure she commands the biggest fee of any soloist in classical music. This must make violinists like the criminally-underrated Viktoria Mullova shake her head in wonderment. This is another very bad, very egotistical, very vulgar interpretation from a fiddler who's become too full of herself. She has commented that her interpretations today have little in common with what she was doing early in her career. Indeed! And that's a shame. She made some great recordings back then.

The Tchaikovsky, which has one of the stiffest, most uninspired accompaniments I've ever heard from hubby Andre, is crass--perhaps she's trying to achieve Eduard Hanslick's assessment that the music stinks to the ear. She certainly tries to accomplish that, with an overbearing, thick sound, a moany (not throaty, moany) tone, supersized phrasing even in intimate passages, all sorts of unscripted glissandi, notes held beyond their notation, and theatrical vibrato. This is just bad taste. Her technical prowess is never in doubt (though she seems to doubt it; she seems to be shouting "LISTEN TO WHAT I CAN DO!" every few seconds), but part of what makes a musician great is the ability to divine the composition, so to speak. While to a degree this can be subjective, there are stylistic guidelines that can be gleaned from the score, performance practice, etc., and there comes a point beyond which I am willing to forgive. Just listen to her opening phrasing...the streeeeetching of every third note, the excessively fussy micro-diminuendos and micro-crescendos at every third bar, the distortion of phrases into nonsense, the outright schmaltzy approach that honestly seems to disrespect the composer. The Amazon review states that she incorporates the first movement's cadenza as though it were an integral part of the work. I seriously have to question if the reviewer listened to the disc (sober, at least). This cadenza has about six thousand separate gearshifts when it comes to tempo, dynamics, color, and vibrato, all of which call attention to her technique and nothing more. I cannot escape the feeling lately that she is just using music--*any* music--as a springboard to show off. And I used to be one of her biggest fans.

The Korngold, a wonderful and neglected work, is here schmaltzed to such an extent that it sounds like not just film music (as Korngold was a great film composer) but a parody of film music. Over the opening bars I can practically hear the narration, "I remember the last time I kissed her, on that bridge in Paris, before I said goodbye forever. I can still smell her perfume on my collar, feel her hair against my face. Now she's just a memory, a dame in a distant land..." Again Previn turns in a routine performance, though at least it's not quite as rhythmically stiff. (As Mutter has become more showboaty, he's become blander and blander, until he must be The Dullest Conductor on Earth, even duller than Wolfgang Sawallisch or Kurt Masur [there should be a special award for that; it's not easy].) At least the cadenza here isn't an embarrassment. The sound is muffled for the orchestra, upfront and larger-than-life for our egomaniacal fiddler. For the Tchaikovsky, you want a great recording in modern sound, get Mullova/Ozawa (don't worry, Seiji is in good form here) on Philips. It's coupled with a stunning Sibelius concerto. Another fine modern performance I used to enjoy was Stern/Rostropovich (mostly for Stern), but this has never made it to CD except briefly in Japan. For Korngold, give Heifetz a try. As for this CD, DG should sever her expensive contract and use the dough to hire some fresh talent less burdened with ego. Try Christian Tetzlaff for starters.

Mutter, as usual, outdo everyone.......2006-07-21

GOD, please help me:I HAVEN'T SLEPT FOR A WEEK SINCE I LISTENED IT FOR THE FIRST TIME. It's simply the best TCHAIKOVSKY and KORNGOLD available.
TCHAIKOVSKY's 3th tempo and the finale of the 1st are played so fast and with so much character that will pierce you through like a TGV at his maximum speed.
The 2nd tempo is great too, with her non-vibrato and pianissimo at the begin, and a crescendo that brings new power and interest for the piece at every bar, even if the theme is repeated plenty of times.

KORNGOLD is TERRIFIC: it really scared me, expecially the last tempo. I'm sorry but in comparison with other recording of other grat artists such as Perlman, Shaham and even HEIFETZ, they all disappear, both for the tempi and for the energy this piece is played with.

I think this recording will be a great stone in the history of violin.

Before this cd I could not even imagine that so much ENERGY, POWER, STRENGTH and FIERY CHARACTER would be held by only one person.

I can bet my.....violin that such an incredible perfection won't let you sleep for many many night! ;)
Please DO COMPARE,if you can....and tell me...

My last consideration: AMAZON, PLEASE LET PEOPLE VOTE 6 STAR FOR THIS, AMAZING, STUNNING, PERFECT CD! Thanx

Technique with Heart.......2006-07-20

Anne Sofie has been at her violin for years now, and just seems
to get better. Technique, musical skill she has. Nobody can form
an argument against that. I've heard some say she has flurishes,
and tends to show off that skill a little too much. But if you read what she has to say about Tchaikovsky's concerto, and other things she has played. There is Heart and alot of care goes into
her recordings.

Two musicians in love.......2006-05-14

When you realize that Mutter and Previn were still in their 'honeymoon', this recording sounds like a confession of love. The Tchaikovsky can sound mannered because it sounds so diferent, so improvised in manner. But it works.
The Korngold? Some can say that it is Hollywood music. In fact, it is. But time has shown that there was nothing wrong with the quality of Korngold or Steiner, Newman or Tiomkin. To the contrary. Their music will surely live much longer than that of those wacko elitits who, I happen to think, have made 'classical' music truly boring.
The Korngold is just superb. Mutter/Previn play the slow movement so, so lovingly, that, if you don't melt or get a chill up your spine, I recommend you stick to Carter, Cage, Stokhausen and the like.
The recorded sound is outstanding. A winner.

A Fine Rendition of the Korngold.......2006-02-27

I have never understood the widespread revulsion among violinists to the Korngold concerto. Those who snort dismissively at his music and call it "more corn than gold" -- a phrase that has unjustly dogged a gifted and oft overlooked composer -- are merely demonstrating how prodigiously they can judge a book by its cover.

I like Korngold's music, and I like Previn, who conducts on this CD, for unabashedly championing it. Most of Korngold's detractors savor the criticism that his music merely consists of glorified film soundtracks. Previn rightly counters, "It is not that Korngold sounds like film music; film music sounds like Korngold." In this sense, Korngold is a genuine innovator; more often than not, modern film composers are standing upon his shoulders. But his work and his genius as a composer go beyond the film score, as attested by his masterful string quartets and the Violin Concerto in D.

It's the strength of the concerto -- both as a composition and as it is rendered by Anne-Sophie Mutter -- that carries this CD. The aching nostalgia, heroism, and melodic opulence of Korngold's themes are undeniable, but Mutter's lyricism makes them sing and soar in ways that no other recording I'm aware of can approach. Heifetz may have the definitive recording, but as far as I'm concerned it's only definitive in matters of technique. Heifetz can't be beat for tone and execution, but his interpretive sensitivity lags well behind his technical prowess. This rendition by Mutter may be the new lyrical gold standard for the Korngold concerto.

I know there are hordes of violinists out there ready to shout me down, but I find the Tchaikovsky to be an inferior composition to the Korngold -- it is just as (if not more) repetitive as any part of the Korngold, and the themes in the 1st and 3rd movements are sterile by comparison. Compared to her performance of the Korngold, Mutter's Tchaikovsky is rendered with far less verve and craft. For much of the piece (especially in the cadenzas), she vacillates between uncouth, temporally incoherent sawing and high lyricism that squeezes melodies for all their nectar. To my ear, her rendition of the Tchaikovsky struggles to remain cogent. The exception is the 2nd movement. Mutter's tone and vibrato are sublime, and the slower tempo allows her to be more expansive with her phrasing, bringing her apparent strengths to the fore.

I bought this CD because of the Korngold, and I wasn't disappointed. I've heard all the great violin concertos rendered by many of the great performers of our time. I won't dare to go so far as to say that the Korngold is the greatest of the violin concertos, but I think it's one of the most enjoyable and immediately accessible. Mutter's rendition makes it doubly so, which is why I think this is also one of the best violin virtuoso recordings I've heard.

Meeting in Moscow - Glazunov/Kabalevsky: Violin Concertos

Average customer rating:

Hauntingly beautiful melody, intricate polyrythms
Great Music-making
Russian Gems Shine in Shaham's Skillful Hands...
Mo from Cairo, Egypt
Wow...You gotta love it!

Meeting in Moscow - Glazunov/Kabalevsky: Violin Concertos

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Glazunov, Khachaturian, Kabalevsky: Violin Concertos
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Kabalevsky: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3; Colas Breugnon Overture; The Comedians

ASIN: B000001GZV
Release Date: 1998-02-10

Tracks:

Glazunov - Violin Concerto in A minor: Moderato -
Glazunov - Violin Concerto: Andante sostenuto - Tempo I -
Glazunov - Violin Concerto: Allegro
Kabalevsky - Violin Concerto in C major: Allegro molto e con brio
Kabalevsky - Violin Concerto: Andantino cantabile
Kabalevsky - Violin Concerto: Vivace giocoso
Tchaikovsky - Souvenir d'un lieu cher: Mtation. Andante molto cantabile
Tchaikovsky - Souvenir: Scherzo. Presto giocoso
Tchaikovsky - Souvenir: Mdie. Moderato con moto
Tchaikovsky - Valse-Scherzo op.34

Customer Reviews:

Hauntingly beautiful melody, intricate polyrythms.......2003-04-11

I am sure that most people have ever even heard the Kabalevsky concerto unless you happen to study the violin. Of all great Russian violin concertos, there are 5 that really stand out from the rest: Tchaikovsky, Glazunov, Prokofiev 2, Miakovasky and Kabalevsky. The focus of this review is regarding Shaham's recording of the Kabalevsky concerto, a concerto that should be more known to the masses.

Every one of those five concertos has a unique sound, the Tchaikovsky was the first written of them and was influenced by Lalo's great Symphonie Espagnole. The Lalo is a work with intricate polyrythms and it takes an advanced artist to play the temops correctly in synchronicity with the orchestra. It also takes a disciplined orchestra and skilled and sensitive conductor to allow for coordination between the soloist and the orchestra. The same could be said of the Tchaikovsky, requiring an advanced artist and conductor to play those intricate rythms togather and make it sound convincing. Well it is Tchaikovsky who influenced Glazunov, Prokofiev, Miakovasky and Kabalevsky, each wrote concertos with their own style and all seemed to contain that sence of intricate polyrythms that require a great degree of skill to pull off, it takes an artist with alot of bow control to make it really sound good. The Kabalevsky concerto is more brief than the forgotten Miakovsky making it a highly listenable work. It is so refreshing to hear the Kabalevsky with a a golden singing tone. I love the Oistrakh recording but the sound quality is so poor and dated so I listen to this recording more.

Glazunov actually wrote my favorite russian violin concerto, the brooding melody is so hauntinly beautiful and contains a melody so pure it is simply impossible not to fall in love with. The cadenza is so outrageous you will shake your head in disbelief it is so brilliant. The Tchaikovsky is much more popular but I seem to prefer the Glazunov for some reason, maybe because it it's more smooth and less choppy like in the third movement of the Tchaikovsky. This is not my favorite recording of the Glazunov as I perfer the Perlman recording. Actually Michael Rabin recorded my favorite Glazunov but that is very difficult to find.

The CD also includes incredibly melodic works by Tchaikovsky that will completely make you melt. This is appropriate because of Tchaikovsky's influence on Glazunov and Kabalevsky.

I play this CD when I want to hear the Kabalevsky, a lesser known concerto I am very fond of and you should be too.

5 stars for the Kabalevsky, 4 Stars for the Glazunov

Great Music-making.......2003-01-24

In our era of big egos, it's refreshing to see two artists of great stature come together to celebrate the magic of Russian music. Having been fortunate enough to see both Shaham and Pletnev live in recitals, I was delighted the moment Glazunov's moderato started playing. Pletnev brings his trademark energetic elegance and Shaham virtuosity (so perfectly demonstrated in recent "Devil's Dance" CD) accommodates with ease and finesse.
In Russia, Kabalevsky is most often thought of as a Bolshevik composer. While it's partly true, he also wrote some of the most exquisite violin music since - well - Glazunov, and it is actually a quite natural coupling of two great concertos.
To make this disc even better, the artists included some of Tchaikovsky's morsels. The intent, probably, was to show a connection in Russian music school even as it changed though the decades. It worked well (you can clearly hear Tchaikovsky's lyricism in Kabalevsky's 1948 concerto), but it also provided for some pure joy moments, such as Meditation (track 7).
DG, as usual these days, provided perfect sound quality. The only thing I would add, though, is the piece that "started it all," i.e. the Tchaikovsky violin concerto, but since Gil Shaham has already recorded it just a little while back with Giuseppe Sinopoli (coupled with Sibelius concerto) we could easily fill this "gap" by getting both discs.

Russian Gems Shine in Shaham's Skillful Hands..........2002-10-13

Among the violinists of his generation, Shaham is undoubtedly one of the most versatile and charismatic. His enthusiasm for the violin is evident in all his recordings. Indeed, a genuine zeal and passion for music, in general, appears to be an integral part of his engaging personality. I can attest for this, having personally heard Shaham's mesmerizing peformance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons last season with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. As for this particular recording, I was especially impressed by the Glazunov Concerto. In my opinion, Shaham's interpretation of this glorious work is on a par with Heifetz's majestic recording with Walter Hendl. The piece is truly a perfect vehicle for Shaham, whose lush, melodious tone is an ideal match for the Tchaikovsky-esque lyricism of Glazunov's composing. Although I'm less familiar with the Kabalevsky concerto, Shaham's exquisite rendering of it leaves me eager to collect other recordings of it such as David Oistrakh's archive performance from the 1940s. The Tchaikovsky Souvenir and Valse-Scherzo are impressive as well, but the two concerti are where Shaham's virtuousic talents are showcased most brilliantly. As a former violinist, I feel I must state that this recording should be a part of any violinist's CD collection. And even for those who are merely classical music buffs, this recording is a must-own! As I'm an enormous admirer of both Shaham and Pletnev, I can only hope the pair will collaborate on many future recordings.

Mo from Cairo, Egypt.......2001-01-10

I am in the process of studying one of the pieces from this cd (Kabalevsky), and out of all of the recordings of the kabaevsky that I have heard, this is the one that has been the most helpful to me! Gil Shaham knows how to show how it is REALLY played! The Glazanouve and the Tchaikowsky are also really beautifully played. If you like a fine balance of Russian music, BUY THIS CD!!!!

Wow...You gotta love it!.......2000-12-29

Wow this is one awesome CD! The Kabalevsky is my absolute favorite piece, and it's so fun to listen to (and fun to play too:). All the tracks on this CD are excellent, and Gil Shaham is the best violinist ever so you are bound to like it. Buy this right away! :)

Average customer rating:

Underpriced
Superb survey of one of the all-time greatest violinists

Violin Concertos [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B0009VI51G
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Customer Reviews:

Underpriced.......2006-12-19

It is incredible to me that I was able to purchase ten discs of probably the single greatest violinist of the century tackling immortal masterpieces for less than the cost of a utility bill.

You are thinking, "where's the catch?" Well, there is none. The transfers are excellent, the performances, of course, are superb. The only corner-cutting to be found was in the packaging, but even that was more than sufficient.

All these riches made me greedy, though. I wish there was Bartok 2 as well as 1, same with Szymanowski. I wish there was Khatchaturian. But how spoiled I am to be complaining! There is so much here to be enjoyed, from the crags of Szymanowski and the peaks of Beethoven to the cool, dark valleys of Chausson. If you only ever buy one violin box set, buy this one.

Superb survey of one of the all-time greatest violinists.......2005-08-28

We haven't been exactly short on releases by the great David Oistrakh, whether in the LP days or on CD. The trouble was that his recorded legacy - one of the most extensive in history by any violinist - has been made accessible through a multitude of labels, often in a haphazard fashion, and even more often for a very short time. The arrival of this new 10 CD-box has to be saluted for its effort to group a splendid selection of live recordings by Oistrakh made in the USSR between 1939 and 1968 with the Moscow Philharmonic, the Leningrad Philharmonic and the USSR Radio Symphony Orchestra, with some of the foremost conductors of the day (Alexander Gauk, Kirill Kondrashin, Gennady Rozhdestvensky, Kurt Sanderling).

Undoubtedly, collectors will already have the majority of the recordings presented here (although a lot is no longer available), but this box covers all the great concertos and as a survey of the art of "King David" it is presently unbeatable.

The sound quality is variable, of course, but totally acceptable regarding the age of some of the documents.

Sibelius/Glazunov/Tchaikovsky: Violin Concertos - Jascha Heifetz, Sir John Barbirolli, Sir Thomas Beecham, London Philharmonic Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Sibelius/Glazunov/Tchaikovsky: Violin Concertos - Jascha Heifetz, Sir John Barbirolli, Sir Thomas Beecham, London Philharmonic Orchestra

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000I2ISMW
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Tracks:

I: Allegro Moderato
II: Adagio Di Molto
III: Allegro Ma Non Tanto
I: Allegro Moderato
II: Canzonetta (Andante) -
III: Allegro Vivacissimo
Moderato -
Andante -
Cadenza -
Animando

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1. Allegro Moderato
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5. Adagio
6. Andante Espressivo- Cadenza