Bruch/Mendelssohn: Violin Concertos

Max Bruch (Artist), Felix Mendelssohn (Artist), Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra (Artist), Kurt Masur (Artist), Marianne Kach (Artist), Maxim Vengerov (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 8, 1994)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Teldec
• ASIN: B000000SJJ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,689 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

classical music cd - general

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars well... that's Vengerov, August 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bruch/Mendelssohn: Violin Concertos (Audio CD)

He does a great job with the Bruch concerto, fiery exposition in the first movement, and a technically flawless performance overall. The concerto just works well with Vengerov's style of playing: well articulated and very commanding.

The Mendelssohn however, didn't impress me at all, musically. Technically, Vengerov is right on top of it, but the kind of vibrato he has, almost makes the opening melody... ugly if I can be so harsh. I can never listen to that portion of the cd. Of every performance i've heard of the Mendelssohn, I still put Stern on top.

Worth the money for the Bruch, but don't get it for the Mendelssohn.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Bruch, March 17, 2001

By 

Steven D. Griffing (Plano, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bruch/Mendelssohn: Violin Concertos (Audio CD)

When I first heard this recording of the Bruch on the radio, I thought it was Heifetz because of that feeling of taut urgency he conveys. It works throughout this concerto in which the first movement comprises a rapsodic, yet inconclusive, introduction to the second movement - the center-piece of the whole. Then, the rollicking finale requires the kind of abandonment that Vengerov can produce with few equals. He may be the most dramatically explosive young violinist on the current scene.

(To get an idea of what I mean, compare his performance in the final "Burlesque" from Shostakovich's Concerto #1 to that of the great Itzhak Perlman. Perlman's command of the instrument is so complete that it is difficult for him to create any sense of struggle. Effortless. But if you want a white-knuckle ride with rosin dust flying out of your speakers, Vengerov is your man.)

Yet, this very quality is what limits Vengerov on the Mendelssohn; a composition requiring a sweeter, more "feminine" sound. They should have coupled this with Brahms' Concerto, or perhaps Dvorak, which is the only reason I hold back the fifth star in the rating.

The former Cleveland Orchestra concertmaster, Joseph Gingold, once said that Fritz Kreisler's artistry warmed the heart, but Heifetz's playing made your hair stand on end. Vergerov is in the latter category. So powerful is this effect on the Bruch that this rendition alone makes this CD worth the price.

For Mendelssohn, try Cho Liang Lin, or Kyung Wha Chung.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional, if only for the Bruch!, July 1, 2004

By 

Michael J. Lipsey (MO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bruch/Mendelssohn: Violin Concertos (Audio CD)

I agree wholeheartedly with the previous posters concerning the Mendelssohn Concerto. Vengerov does not seem to be able to contain his fury playing a piece that demands a delicate touch. However, the comments about the Mendelssohn piece give the impression that it is a BAD performance. It is not. It is just not brilliant.

The Bruch Concerto, however, is nothing short of brilliant! This CD should be purchased, if for nothing else than the Bruch piece. It is simply breath-taking!

Whatever you do, do not discard this CD due to the reviews against the Mendelssohn Concerto, which is good. Buy it for the Bruch! Playing that is as close to pure emotion as you can get!