Customer Reviews

Bruch/Mendelssohn: Violin Concertos

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

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I have always believed that if you can fall in love with a certain work after having hated it up until that point, then the recording that changed your mind MUST be magical - it's a pivotal moment when you realise that anything can be made beautiful if put into the right hands. That was my story with the Bruch - Vengerov really puts so much of his own spirit and joy into the finale - so much life!
As for the Mendelssohn, I would still rank Sarah Chang and Cho Liang Lin on top...

I have to agree with the other reviewers that the reason to buy this CD is Vengerov's amazing performance of Bruch's G minor violin Concerto.The first time I heard it I was captivated by the urgency and energy of Vengerov's playing. After listening to it many times it still seems fresh and exciting.

I didnt even make it to the chair. When I first listened to this recording I stood by the stereo and played it three times over. After that, I layed on the floor and cursed myself in a rage of mediocrity, which of course was followed by several hours of sweat-browed practicing. This is the best recording I own. When I saw that it carries a relatively low rating on this site I nearly threw up. That is why I wrote this review.