Customer Reviews

Barber: Concerto for violin Op14; Korngold: Much Ado about Nothing Op11

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Gil Shaham's rendition of this American classic only serves to strengthen his position as one of the very best violinists playing today. Actually, that's not all this recording does; it also captures this concerto more breathtakingly played than I've ever heard, thus rendering a great service to listeners everywhere. Although there are many, many recordnings of this great piece, this is the one I would choose, for Shaham's flawless playing, fullness of tone and sensitivity, as well as the moving and thrilling orchestral performance. The Korngold is a pleasant, enjoyable and good-humored piece, with a ravishing opening and a rollicking finale, again with first-rate performances from all involved. I personally found the Much Ado Suite more interesting; an intimate gem of a work.

This is one excellent performance. Shaham's playing is both big and full of bite at times, and then restrained at other times. I
think overall, it is Shaham and Previn's feeling and observance for the dynamics of these concertos which helps make this such an excellent recording.

In the Barber I have seldom heard the second movement played with such a long sustained legato, nor have I ever heard the third movement with better dynamics and emphasis from the soloist. I have heard it played much faster, although much to the detriment of the music usually.

The first movement of the Korngold concerto is played a little slower than I am used to it, but still mainains it's tenseness in large part due to Shaham's performance. The second movement is pensive and nostalgic, and the third has just the right childish playfulness.

Andre Previn, always noted as a most exempliary accompanist, is always right there supporting his soloist, and the LSO offers him it's usual fine support.

Topping it all off is DGG's incredible sound engineering. Those bass fiddle pizzicatos in the second movement of the Barber are right there in your living room. And the balance of the soloist and the orchestra is simply the best in both concertos.

The "Much Ado About Nothing" suite is actually the piano/violin version. When the play was extended in 1920, and the chamber orchestra Korngold hired wasn't available anymore, he re-scored his music for piano and violin, Korngold playing the piano part. I had never heard this version before until this CD. Previn adds immensely to this duo with his impeccable piano playing.

Plain and simple, this is THE recording to own of the Barber violin concerto. I have seen this piece performed live, and have heard many versions on disc, but none of them come close to the version of Gil Shaham with the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Andre Previn. I recently saw Gil Shaham in concert and let me tell you his playing is no fluke. He is one of classical music's true superstars. His tone is brilliant, his bowing is impeccable, and he plays with sincere emotion and passion. While the first two movements are lyrical and don't pose many problems for soloists, the third movement is a mindscrambler and gives even the most talented of violinists a good workout. Shaham renders the fiery score as if it were a children's tune! Shaham's virtuosity is only half the pleasure though, the London Symphony under the direction of Andre Previn is equally inspired. In addition to Shaham's performance being the best of the solo part, the LSO's performance is the finest orchestral performance I've heard of this piece too. Not only are the performances tight, but the sound is impeccable. I believe the Barber Violin Concerto to be the best piece of classical music ever written by an American, and it is a joy that such a wonderful recording is available. Shaham had to push Deutsche Grammaphon to let him record these concertos...its a good thing they finally capitulated! Even without the Korngold Concerto(which is a fantastic piece) this album is worth every penny. I really don't like going on and on about an album, but this is truly one of the finest recordings I've ever heard.

Gil Shaham has one of the cleanest styles of violin playing that I have heard to date, perfectly evidenced on this disc of plain beauty. The Barber Violin Concerto is an incredible work to begin with. The Adagio just begs for a violinist to show off his lyricism and pure ability to create beautiful sounds. Even a so so performance of this work is going to sound great, however an incredible performance of this concerto will have you coming back for more and more. This recording qualifies as such. Not only is the soloist incredible, but something should be said about the fine London Symphony Orchestra and Andre Previn. They do a wonderful job at following Shaham and Previn even brings out some beautiful orchestral detail to enhance Shaham. If you own at least one Barber Violin Concerto, you must buy this and hear so that you will be able to hear what I am talking about. If you don't own this or any recording of the concerto, try this one as it will show you that Samuel Barber is perhaps the greatest American composer---a true late late Romantic.

Then, there is the Korngold Violin Concerto. Dismissed as a Hollywood composer, many a listeners are deprived of the true talents that Erich Korngold possessed. This violin concerto is a showpiece for pure lyricism. The orchestral writing perfectly supports the solo violin. Gil Shaham and the LSO show us that there is much to commend and admire in the music of Korngold--that it was true classical music and that it worthy of being played in the concert halls.

Even first time listeners of the Barber or Korngold concertos will know that this is what the composers had in mind when they put pen to paper. Gil Shaham approaches these pieces with real honesty and humbleness. So many other violinists just don't seem to make the same impact, for whatever reason. His interpretations bring a certain organic vitality to so many "standard" violin pieces, and in doing so he is redefining the meaning of quality in performance. And I'll bet his philosophy of life is just as honest and humble as his playing. There's no faking it when it comes to playing like this. Long story short: buy this recording!

Yes, FIVE-STARS but I warmed up to this album slowly. I knew I liked SOME of Barber's music but I had to listen to the violin concerto several times before I really heard it. THEN, I realized it is such a wonderful work, played uncommonly well. The Korngold concerto is VERY inventive, as well. However, the work that just KNOCKED ME OVER was the "Much Ado About Nothing" suite by Korngold. The combination of some of the loveliest composing EVER with Previn's dead-on accompanying and Shaham's uncanny genius was SOOOOO satisfying. You won't EVER hear anything more lovely than that "In the Garden" section. Because of the composers but also because of the musicians, I think a music-lover would LOVE and even ADORE this CD!

Ahh the Korngold, a work written for Huberman but premiered and champoined by the great Heifetz. This has to be the most incredible melody ever written in the lydian mode, a major scale with a raised 4th (tritone). The raised 4th has such a haunting sound giving this wonderful and original concerto a sence of freshness, unlike anything you have heard before yet still melodic enough to hold your attention.

I love the Heifetz recording and respect it because he has that sound that no one can come close to but I much prefer this recording because of the great tone and because I like Shaham's vibrato alot more. There is so much more warmth and expression when I listen to this recording of the Korngold.

The concerto by Barber is also a terribly fresh and original work. The third movement has intense energy like a tornado forming and shaham plays with a great sence of control and maturity in his playing. I have several recordings of the Barber concerto and this is a good one but I dont really think I have a favorite recording because I like my other recordings by Kogan, Oliveira, Hahan, and Perlman. The Barber is a great concerto and should not be ignored.

I play this CD when I want to hear the Korngold but I still play the Heifetz also, both recordings are important to me. I don't really think that Heifetz played it any better.

I understand there is a DVD of Kavakos playing the Korngold but only available in foreign countries, how sad.

Without question this is one of Gil Shaham's best recordings of violin concerti. Historically it may be the most important since he makes a very persuasive case for including Korngold's violin concerto as part of the standard repertoire of stellar solo violinists of which he is unquestionably one. Both violin concerti are among the most lyrical ever composed, and Shaham brings both immaculate technical skills and soulful, graceful playing in his highly commendable performances of both work. Andre Previn leads the London Symphony Orchestra in superb performances of the orchestral scores. However, the real treasure on this recording has to be Previn's duet with Shaham in the Korngold score that concludes this CD. It's some of the most inspirational playing of 20th Century music by a violinist and pianist I have heard. The sound quality is absolutely first rate.

This is the third cd that I had a chance to feel Barber's sentimental music...First was the Adagio for Strings..second was the songs of Barber and the last one the violin concerto...the cd that follows the other always made my love stronger for the Barber's music...But this violin concerto has a different place in my heart...it is a modern era music but you feel it like you are listening a late romantic era composer's music...the work is based on Lyricism and virtuosity...music is wonderful especially in the second movement...and I offer you to listen carefully the 1st movement's 3rd minute's 31st second...a bow pulled with a lot of sentiment...he is not pulling it with his hand...he is doing it with his heart...Gil Shaham is a very talented young violinist...technique is perfect...he plays so clean...no dirty notes heard...and his feeling adds more to his perfect performing...There is not too much to say about the orchestra and the conductor...I think you know about them...If you don't??? meet them in this performance...
even if you are not a fan of Barber or you are not into his music this Cd is highly reccomended...

M. Can EL

This CD inspired me to rent a violin and take professional lessons. Twentieth Century classical music at its best. This is a wonderful recording. The Horn Pipe piece at the end of the CD is a delight.