Customer Reviews

Bruch, Mendelssohn: Violin Concertos

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

 

 

This is a rather old recording, and okay, maybe Vengerov does do the Mendelssohn better, but you will notice that, even after saying that, I am still giving this CD five stars. If you have room for another Mendelssohn/Bruch recording, make it this one. A few corrections: this was not, technically, his first recording: his premiere CD with London Records was "Presenting Joshua Bell", which is also available here. And as for him not resorting to extra physical effort... well, have you ever seen him in concert? But what you hear on the recording is a sweet violin tone that no other violinist living today can completely accomplish. The main thing that stands out about Bell's recording is the way in which he approaches the music. His technique is near-flawless, but unlike other virtuosos, he feels no need to rub it in our faces. Its only purpose is to serve the music. There are a few places, here and there, on both the Mendelssohn and the Bruch, that teeter on the edge of too much treacle, but more often one is impressed by how refreshing and effortless his interperetation is and how beautiful these pieces sound when not cluttered up by the bells and whistles of someone making sure you know how hard they're working. While Joshua Bell's sense of musicality has grown considerably since this recording, his love for the violin and his fidelity to the music have been apparent from the beginning. It ain't the best Bruch and Mendelssohn ever, but it's definitely worth giving a whirl.

It's incredible that Joshua Bell was still in his teens when he recorded this amazing album! Wunderkind could have been coined to describe him. Yes, his playing has the energy of youth but his playing is flawless and suggests the maturity of someone years his senior. I recommend giving this disc to people who have yet to be bitten by the classical bug and are open to the experience; it was my first classical cd and remains one of the ones I play most often. As has been mentioned, the two concertos fit so well together, one is scarcely aware the first one has ended. Joshua Bell is definately one of the most important classical musicians of our day and one of the most accessible to the general public. I'm looking forward to many decades more of extraordinary work from this gifted artist.

The Bruch Concerto knocks me off my feet whenever I listen to it, and Joshua Bell so easily expresses the runs in the 2nd movement as if they were falling tear drops. The technique is unquestionably secure and the Mendelssohn is what that concerto does for every violinist. I creates a uniquely reserved excitement that the great orchestra accompaniment carries. There are cheaper recordings of these concertos with good violinists but buy the one you won't get bored of.

Sometimes it takes what appears to be a routine program by the symphony, a concert on the subscription that seems more appealing because of other purely orchestral works rather than the requisite concerto, to bring attention to an old war horse like the Max Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Opus 26 and re-discover why it retains its position in the echelon of favorite works. At a recent concert with the LA Philharmonic Sarah Chang soared with the inherent beauties of this work, bring a richness of tone and sound that made the ear take note that this was superb writing. Thank goodness for this old 1990 recording to come home to!

Though Joshua Bell made this first recording at the tender age of 18 it remains one of the finest recordings of the Bruch concerto available. Bell's intensity of concentration and sheer luxurious tone he draws from his instrument bathe the Bruch with all of the lavish melody and intensity it deserves. His Mendelssohn performance is equally fine but the recording remains special because of the Bruch. Neville Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields offer fine collaboration, making this a must have CD before it disappears form the shelves. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, December 06

Wonderful blend of orchestra and soloist. This is a Joshua Bell natural. Lots of lyric beauty but strength where it's needed. Orchestra never over ran Bell's solos. The transition between the two pieces is smooth and effortless.

Ok, now, Joshua Bell is normally an awesome violinist with flawless technique and wonderful expression. But, on this CD something is missing. His usual enthusiasim is present, but maybe becuase of his relative youth on the Cd, or something else, the interprtation of the Mendlssohn Concerto leaves something to be desired. Its just not as beautiful and singing as his other recordings. On the contrary, he often comes across harsh and stilted. The third movement of the concerto though, posesses the charm and vitality that is typical of Bell. Also, the Bruch is still gorgeous with it's lovely lyrical middle movement and bold, joyous last movement. All in all, it is still a delightful CD: an early recording of a great legend to be.

My single favorite violin concerto is the Bruch #1. I have seen it performed live and own several recordings. I recently picked up this rendition and I have to say that I was utterly blown away. I immediately put the Sarah Chang album in semi-retirement and moved this up to the front of my CD library.

Joshua Bell does something that few violinists seem to capture: the soul and finesse of this great piece. Too often the soloists mash out the notes very harshly, but Bell brings them to life with loving attention and coaxing. This is a purely blissful listening experience. The conducting by Marriner is phenomenal, never overpowering but equally complementing of the beautiful sounds issuing from Bell's instrument. This version does show some youthful exuberance by Bell, but I think it works well for the Bruch as well as the Mendelssohn; especially the Bruch.

Though music (like all art and wine) is a matter of taste, I surely think that every Bruch fan should give this at least one listen. It deserves a place in every classical music library.

Oh, and the Mendelssohn is very good! (Though there are many many many good versions out there). It's like a bonus! Bell is one of (if not THE ~ along with Perlman) greatest living violinists.

I consider Joshua Bell as one of the greatest violin virtuoso of our time. He's in my top three list. I don't even know who the other two are.

Bell's rendition of Bruch's Violin Concerto is so emotionally powerful it makes one wonder whether it is so because of the composition or the performer. I've heard this same piece played by other known artists without much appeal. But when I heard him play, especially the Third Movement, I was transfixed, glued to the extraordinary fireworks. With great tour de force, his cadenzas are crisp, and simply nonpareil.

Joshua Bell's playing stands out head-and-shoulders above his peers. It has its own unique signature impossible to be imitated, much less parodied. If you line up ten other comparable violinists to play the same score, you can easily set his quality of playing apart from the rest.

I really enjoyed this CD- Any CD done by Joshua Bell is wonderful! I would like to know more of the history of his violin~ Who else did it belong to? Over all great CD! I really like the last 3 tracks, somethimes when he plays, I think that it couldn't be one person!