Customer Reviews

Bach: Violin Concertos; Double Concerto; Concerto for Violin & Oboe

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

 

 

If you're not a great lover of authentic baroque performance, then this CD is the best choice. Stern's violin is clear and beautiful. The orchestra plays just right - not too loud, but still present - unlike Grumiaux's famous version for Philips, which I find quite lame.

I have listened to several recordings of Bach Violin Concertos, and the recordings by Isaac Stern with the English Chamber Orchestra are outstanding. They ranks among the best. There are maybe five different recordings that I could recommend (Gremiaux, Perlman, Marriner, Mutter, Stern). You can't go wrong with stern.

I had been looking for the "right" recording of the Concerto for Violin and Oboe--and when I was this one with Isaac Sterns, I knew
I had found it. The music is very fine and is so well recorded that whether I have it on at home, in my truck or listening through headphones, the music sounds wonderful.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who is a Bach fan, Stern fan,
or music lover.

Stern is certainly to be revered as great violin virtuoso, whether on this recording or not is question.

My humble listening tells me that the first two offerings, A minor and E major Violin Concertos are a bit lackluster and scratchy, and as another review points out, even at bits sound a bit off.

However, for me the final two are magnificent. The final two movements of the Double Violin Concerto are superb, with Perlman and Mehta ringing in with gusto and passion. Gomberg as well does his part in making the oboe and violin concerto a triumph, with lilting, rich phrasing and clear tonality. Truly is a great soloist, and the third movement is outstanding!

Beautifully done.
Isaac Stern was simply the master of his art. As an artist myself, I found the music powerful, and it touches my heart. Appreciating music, I would not analyze it too much, simply enjoy. Let the musicans reach out and touch your hearts as well.

These recordings are OK. In the first two recordings, I found Stern scratchy and off-key (probably because they were bothe done the same day), however I found the second two refreshing and well-performed! In the Double Concerto, Isaac Stern and Itzhak Perlman give a well-done recording with beautiful effects! It all begins with a fast, 3-minute violin piece, then it goes into the beautiful middle movement of the piece (in Largo ma non Tanto)---this is probably the most beautiful piece ever written (or performed)--- it all ends with another 3-minute violin piece which is also well-done! The violin-oboe concerto in C-major (which is conducted by Leonard Bernstein) is extrememly well-performed and clear, however it does not posses the virtuoso that the other three do. I suggest this one with, Bach: Violin concertos with Pinchas Zukerman and Jose-Luis Garcia!

I found Gidon Kremer's version of the concerto in A minor to be much better. He blitzed through it brilliantly. Stern on the other hand played that concerto like a beginner, as if unsure of himself, and I think did himself and his abilities grave injustice. Maybe it's because I was expecting great stuff from him I was disappointed.
He and Perlman play the double concerto rather well though.