24 Caprices

Paganini (Artist), Perlman (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Angel Records
• ASIN: B000002RNH
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #185,924 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. No. 1 in E

2. No. 2 in b

3. No. 3 in e

4. No. 4 in c

5. No. 5 in a

6. No. 6 in g

7. No. 7 in a

8. No. 8 in E-flat

9. No. 9 in E

10. No. 10 in g

11. No. 11 in C

12. No. 12 in A-flat

13. No. 13 in B-flat

14. No. 14 in E-flat

15. No. 15 in e

16. No. 16 in g

17. No. 17 in E-flat

18. No. 18 in C

19. No. 19 in E-flat

20. No. 20 in D

See all 24 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Very good recording - but not on a par with Ricci, November 19, 1999

By 

Hans U. Widmaier "Uli" (Elmhurst, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 24 Caprices (Audio CD)

As you would expect, Perlman plays with gorgeous tone, rock-solid technique, (mostly) very good intonation, and pleasing if conventional phrasing. But often he sounds pedestrian, careful, unwilling to max out his technical endowment, diligently keeping within his capabilities. What is missing here is the excitement of someone noticeably pushing themselves to and beyond their own limits, someone taking existential risks as, say, Horowitz and Callas have often done to such great effect. But that is what these pieces are really all about: achieving things that are seemingly physically impossible. Compare, for example, Perlman's Caprice #5 to Ruggiero Ricci's (in his earlier recordings): the difference is staggering. Ricci has the daredevil, take-no-prisoners approach that these pieces call for and that Perlman largely lacks. Beyond that, Ricci plays faster, is more precise, and has a better intonation than Perlman, especially in the most difficult passages.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A clean-cut and accurate reading, May 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: 24 Caprices (Audio CD)

This ranks among the best of Paganini's caprices recordings. Each caprice dwells on one aspect of violin technique and Perlman plays each with clarity and ease. A must-buy for Paganini's fan. The other alternatives are Shlomo Mintz's and Salvatore Accardo's recordings, both with DG.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent in every way, March 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: 24 Caprices (Audio CD)

Well, my ear cannot tell whether or not Perlman plays as fast as Ricci. But his technical prowess and tonal quality are matchless. Also, the sound quality is better, as to be expected. Both Perlman and Ricci are masters, but to me, if Perlman isn't pushing himself (not sure what that means), it's simply because he doesn't have to. He's that good. And to be able to add the creative flair and touches as he does to these, it just is... well magic. Both Perlman and Ricci are in a class by themselves. But Perlman sees into this music... makes it flow into you. Listen to the samples and decide for yourself.