Customer Reviews

Anne-Sophie Mutter Plays Mendelssohn [CD & DVD]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Today marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Felix Mendelssohn (-Bartholdy) (1809-1847), one of the treasures of the classical music world. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute that this album featuring Anne-Sophie Mutter. She brings a level of energy and vitality to Mendelssohn's work I've rarely heard before. Her virtuosity with the violin is truly without peer and sound quality is exceptional. This stunning CD/DVD set should make any fan or Mutter's or lover of Mendelssohn very happy.

You are buying this for the music, but the mini-documentary about the composer and Mutter's performance is a real treat as well. Don't wait -- once the lovely limited edition run sells out, it will revert a standard jewel packaging. I find something different to enjoy with every new listen.

These Mendelssohn pieces are major works that Mutter clearly masters and presents in interesting ways. The Violin Concerto, for instance, she takes at quite a fast pace, but still holds its shape. In partnership with Lynn Harrell and Andre Previn, she does a lovely job with the Trio No. 1.

A point of concern is Mutter's overwhelming vibrato and excessive "expression." To my ear, she now makes a similar over-done tone that Perlman came to rely on in his fifties. Anyone else out there hearing this?
This edition contains both a cd and a dvd. The dvd seems to have a very slight synchonization problem that I found disconcerting. As a violinist, I am interested in seeing how Mutter bows, but couldn't quite do it with this technical glitch.
My last quibble is the package, which is all pink and mauve and flower petals. Blame it on the marketing department, not Mutter, but it doesn't square with the artistic strength either of Mendelssohn or of these players.

I heard the Piano Trio from this disc on the 103.7 the Mountain radio station and got totally excited and ordered it the same day. I was positively surprised to learn that both a CD and a 5.0 DTS DVD surround disc was included for just under $14. The Mendelsohn Violin concert is "OK" from a musical perspective, but not on par with several of Mutters past recording - especially compared to Beethovens Violin concert with Berliner Philarmonics under Karajan. However, it was truly entertainming to watch the DVD and listen to the DTS 5.0 surround recording while she was playing. The REAL DISAPPOINTMENT however was the sound quality of the Piano Trio. It is recorded in a smaller concert hall, and the sound is flat and indistinct to the point that I couldn't bear to listen to more than half of the first movement. Granted that I am a sound engineer by trade, but in my mind, it is unbelievable that Deutsche Grammofon would even consider putting their label on a disc with level of quality. I would return the disc if I could...

Anne-Sophie Mutter's performance of the concerto is very good. Her technique is immaculate and she plays with vigor. Masur is an able if unspectacular accompanist; watching the DVD reveals what a curious conducting style he possesses!

The reality is that while Mutter's concerto performance is admirable, the competition in this repertoire is fierce. Heifitz (RCA), Mintz (DG), Ricci (Decca) are a few that are equal or better. So it comes down to the coupling; unfortunately the Trio No. 1 is not a competitve version. Previn's pianism is sadly not up to the task; he seems to be struggling in the faster and more difficult sections. There are also moments of ragged ensembleand the sound is less than ideal. Listen to Julia Fischer and friends on Pentatone to hear what this sparkling music can sound like. 4 stars for the concerto and 2 for the trio.

This is by far one of the best recordings of the
Mendelssohn E minor in recent years. The orchestra of
the 1845 premiere, the city in which it was first performed
(thou different building), plus DVD performances of all works
and a documentary! Life does not gets any better than this,
a great homage to one of the greatest composers in the history
of music.

There is no question that Miss Mutter is a big-time star, and deserves her stardom. Her music production is faultless, and she looks good in a tight dress. That she has all the warmth and charm of an iceberg is not her fault......

Everbody and his/her brother/sister has recorded the Mendelssohn, and a FEW have even done it right; Miss Mutter is certainly among their number. Superb interpretation (a little fast for some tastes) perfectly presented. I continue to prefer an old Mischa Elman recording, but, that aside, this is as good as any, and better than most. Maestro Masur, naturally, leads a great orchestra to perfection.

The piano trio, with Previn and Harrell, is likewise done with technical skill and plenty of style...these are "old pros" who know just how great music should be made......

I actually prefer the CD to the DVD, though I admit the sonic and visual excellence of the latter. If you want to HEAR great music well performed, Miss Mutter is your cup-of-tea. If you want visual beauty with feminine charm AND great playing, look up Sarah Chang's performance of the Mendelssohn with Maestro Masur and the NYPO. Five stars? Sure. Miss Mutter is a GREAT violinist. That her beauty reminds one of a block of ice, and that she has all the allure of an operating room....well, nobody's perfect.

The DVD is the complete length of all three performances. The cameras captured the details of the instrument playing with clear pictures. You can see how Mutter effortlessly danced her fingers and touched the strings. All three artiest's face and body expressions are less emotional. That's what I like. Masur is the same style. He does not jump up and down or distorts his face.

The sound recordings are all perfect. I felt like sitting between the violin and cello when I listened to the piano trio.

My preference on the violin concertor is Cho-Liang Lin's version. The violin is sweet and more feminine. Anne Akiko Meyers is also my favorite.

I recommend Trio Wanderer's piano trios (harmonia mundi) if you enjoy op.49. Op.66 Trio No. 2 is a master piece. I play this CD when I drove to work and I cut the commute time in half.

I really like the package of a Cd and DVD for the purchaser. I know most of us are primarily interested in "the music". The inclusion of the DVD has a "cool" factor that simply cannot be ignored. Watching Ms. Mutter play the music gave me a sense of the entire project (a depth) that I think I would have missed if I'd only heard the cd.

Ok - She is very easy on the eyes. Still, watching her in concert gave me an insight into the music that the cd simply could not...her intensity and concentration while playing is absolutely clear! I totally disagree with some reviewers that she looks "wooden". Personally, when I attend a concert, I want the performer to give me his/her all. I think that is what is at work in the video. She is playing with her audience in mind...giving the music her entire being. Seriously, this is what I am seeing here...and I am captivated.

Finally, I can find no flaw in the sound quality. Some of the reviewers have claimed that the sound quality is low??? I own a serious home entertainment system in my living room and a "good" system for listening in my office. I have played both the CD and DVD on both and the sound is excellent.

If you're wondering whether this CD/DVD is worth your entertainment dollar, I believe it most certainly is...the documentary is fantastic. This is worthy of a 5 star rating.

Is it a coincidence, or is there a mystical reason why the finest recordings of Mendelssohn's perfect and popular Violin Concerto are all performed by soloists whose last names begin with M? They are: Mutter, Mellova, Menuhin, and Milstein, two women and two men. This recording by Anne-Sophie Mutter is a special one, since it celebrates the 200th anniversary of the composer's birth. Along with a performance of warmth and classic poise, we get a DVD plus CD package, which is a special gift. The DVD sound is excellent and detailed with perfect color balance. Along with the Concerto, we are given two excellent performances of a rarity and a chestnut. The Violin Sonata, edited by Menuhin, is a welcome entry into the catalogue, and is well played by the husband and wife team of Andre Previn on piano and Anne-Sophie, who convince us that this work should be in the repertoire. The D Minor Trio is equally well played, both recorded in a sumptuous Vienniese venue. The Concerto is done in Leipzig.
An added bonus is a short documentary which seems a bit too brief, but perhaps that's just because we want more of such excellence we see here. Dear DG, Please give us more of such anniversary celebrations. Schumann and Chopin are the current birthdays of note.

Superb, superb, superb--this lady plays so well. Watching the DVD gave me an even greater appreciation for her musical talent, the recording venue was beautiful, and the synergy with the other musicians was impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed both the CD and the DVD, the CD is now one of my most frequently played. If you either like classical violin, or are learning about/creating a classical music collection (like me)--definitly get this dual-media recording.