Customer Reviews

Brahms: Double Concerto Op.102 / Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto Op.64

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

To even write a review for this CD would almost be an insult, for it is such a rare chance a listener gets to listen to a recording which is so passionate, faithful and inspiring.Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman, as usual, are superb, and I listen to this CD at least once everyday: listening to this has become almost a religious practice! Like their recording of the Beethoven Triple Concerto (EMI), the soloists semm to talk, cry console to each other, and finally triuph with each other (which is how it's meant to be, as it was writtten by Brahms as a means of reconciliation with Joseph Joachim after the bitter break of communication, due to Brahms siding with Joachim's wife during their divorce preceedings). Barenboim, provides like-minded, almost chamber-like accompaniment, and the sound he draws out from the Chicago band is simply to die for (at least 10 times!). It is simply inspiring, and the last movement gets the best reading I have heard.Awesome, superb, amazing... the superlatives used could go on forever. I looooooooove it!

The first recording I heard of the Brahms Double was the Heifetz/Piatigorsky, accompanied with the RCA Orchestra conducted by Wallenstein. It took me a long time to warm up to the piece, and I think a lot of that was due to the flabby orchestral accompaniment, which really sucked the life out of the whole performance.

If ever there was a composer who, in his concerti, made the orchestra an equal player with the soloists, it was Brahms, and if the orchestra is not up to the task, there is no way that the soloist alone will be able to save the performance. With this in mind, one has to give Barenboim the lion's share of the credit, as he urges the CSO towards as passionate a performance as I have heard.

Perlman & Ma are remarkably well-balanced in the performance, considering that it is a live recording. Each has a tone & interpretation particularly well-suited for the other, and the result is a wonderful synthesis. There are points, especially in the 2nd movement, where it sounds as though a single 8-stringed instrument is being played.

The Mendelssohn, despite some pretty brisk tempi, strikes me as one of the more reflective & contemplative performances Perlman has given us. Again, the balance between soloist & orchestra is very nice, considering that it is a live recording. I prefer this Mendelssohn over Perlman's studio versions.

I bought this CD for the Mendelssohn, but I have a hard time listening to anything but the incredible performance of Brahms given by Perlman and Ma. It's an inspiring blend of virtuostic ability and sensitive chamber playing. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

As a young boy, I thoroughly enjoyed this CD. I'm now in my teens, and Classical music has had its effect on me, thanks in many ways to my musical education with a world-renowned teacher. Now coming back to this CD, I am able to appreciate it in a much deeper way that I find nearly impossible to describe. But I'll try my best.

The Brahms Double Concerto is certainly one of the above composer's most undervalued works. This is his last orchestral composition and it contains the autumnal, resigned music that so typical of late Brahms. While it may not have the powerful effect of the 4th Symphony, or the intimacy of his later chamber and piano music, this piece has a world all of its own. Here Pearlman and Ma blend beautifully and Barenboim gives them powerful support while still taking the opportunity to engage in chamber-like conversation with the soloists. The Chicago Symphony is well suited for this work, and Barenboim has succeeded in fulfilling this potential. Especially good here is the charming Hungarian finale, where the orchestra takes the theme and gives an exhilarating rendition while still keeping strong control.

The following Mendelssohn concerto is by far the more popular of the two concertos. While I don't feel this performance is quite as satisfying as the Brahms, it still by all means deserves listening. Barenboim gives us steady conducting that brings out all the Romantic sentiment excellently. Likewise, Pearlman's playing has a real maturity that enables him to excel.

For anyone interested in a CD that takes advantage of a fantastic conductor, orchestra, and soloists, this CD will exceed your highest expectations. Highly recommended.

Just listen to it...The first time I did, I was blown away. Uberly passionate with momentum are the words to describe this performance. The major tunes linger in my mind even after the piece is done. The synchrony between Ma and Perlman is as if they are playing one instrument. They don't anticipate each others next move, they just feel it. Ah...I love it.

This is the Best Mendelssohn Version of Itzhak Perlman and the best version including versions as Menuhin, Heifetz, Vengerov, Mutter.

The Brahms Double Concerto is absolutely powerful.

This isn't bad, but the Oistrakh/Rostropovich recording of the Brahms Double Concerto is more exciting.

This is my all time favorite. Music with tons of true passion! It has such power that one cannot do other things while listening to it. No, it cannot be background music. Every piece in this CD totally takes one into it. Must have!

This is a delightful recording of one of an absolutely stunning piece of music. I am not a music critic, so I'll leave it at that.

I could not be more dis satisfied!!!!!

Horrible service - I have written to the shipper 2 times, letting them know I have not yet received this CD and have received NO response.

I can safely tell you I will not be ordering thru Amazon again - you are only as good as your distributors - I have written to Amazon 2 times a swell and received no repy from you either - again, extremely unhappy.

From this email it is quite clear you stilll have not idea that my purchased and PAID for was not received - you've gotten too big fro your britches - believe me people wil go where they get customer service.

Nancy Zidonis

A Past Purchaser -