Bruch, Vieuxtemps: Violin Concertos; Lalo: Symphonie Espagnole

Pinchas Zukerman (Artist, Performer), Max Bruch (Composer), Edouard Lalo (Composer), Henri Vieuxtemps (Composer), Charles Mackerras (Conductor), Zubin Mehta (Conductor), London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Pinchas Zukerman
• Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Charles Mackerras, Zubin Mehta
• Composer: Max Bruch, Edouard Lalo, Henri Vieuxtemps
• Audio CD (December 29, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony Classical
• ASIN: B0000027Y3
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #179,627 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26: Prelude. Allegro moderato

2. Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26: Adagio

3. Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26: Finale. Allegro energico - Presto

4. Symphonie espagnole, for violin & orchestra in D minor, Op. 21: I. Allegro Non Troppo

5. Symphonie espagnole, for violin & orchestra in D minor, Op. 21: II. Scherzando: Allegro Molto

6. Symphonie espagnole, for violin & orchestra in D minor, Op. 21: III. Intermezzo: Allegro Non Troppo

7. Symphonie espagnole, for violin & orchestra in D minor, Op. 21: IV. Andante

8. Symphonie espagnole, for violin & orchestra in D minor, Op. 21: V. Rondo: Allegro

9. Violin Concerto No. 5 in A minor ('Grétry'), Op. 37: Allegro non troppo - Moderato

10. Violin Concerto No. 5 in A minor ('Grétry'), Op. 37: Adagio

11. Violin Concerto No. 5 in A minor ('Grétry'), Op. 37: Allegro con fuoco

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite recording of my favorite concerto !!!, December 1, 2002

By 

Scott68 (Columbus, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bruch, Vieuxtemps: Violin Concertos; Lalo: Symphonie Espagnole (Audio CD)

THIS is my favorite recording of my favorite concerto, the awesome Vieuxtemps Violin Concerto number 5!

Vieuxtemps was a wonderful Belgian virtuoso/soloist/composer who definitely had a way with orchestration as his fourth concerto was described as symphony with violin solos. The fifth concerto here was written for violin competition so fans of Paganini will be pleased. This piece has everything a concerto lover could want: soaring melodies, expressive virtuosity while never displaying technique for the sake of technique alone.

The performance given here by Mr. Zukerman does not emphasize virtuosity like the recordings of Heiftez or Kogan. Rather, this is a performance that gives emphasis to a singing musical style with a lush vibrato and his transitions are much more smooth than any I have ever heard.

I totally love the unique tone of his violin. When I met Mr. Zukerman, he told me his violin is a 1742 Guarneri Del Gesu, made by year and maker as Paganini's violin, no wonder it sounds so good, it seems to have a darker, more mid-rangy sound that is so characteristic of Guarneri's. This is my favorite tone of all the violins I have heard recordings of.

The recording of the Bruch is among the finest I have heard along with Kyung Wha Chung's live recording, such expressive phrasing and vibrato!

This performance of the Lalo is not my favorite but it is a fine performance nonetheless and should prove a great introduction to those unfamiliar with this work.

For a great musical and unforced performance at low price this CD has become the highest of all my CD recommendations, that is if you like musicality and quality of tone more than virtuosity.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In a class of its own, February 6, 2003

By 

"agentjbond007" (Ottawa, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bruch, Vieuxtemps: Violin Concertos; Lalo: Symphonie Espagnole (Audio CD)

The opening measures of the Bruch should be enough to convince you that this recording is a cut above any others - the tone that Zukerman gets from his instrument is in a class of its own.
He is the most thoughtful violin out there, his interpretations are intelligent, and devoid of senseless displays of virtuosity: he doesn't need any gimmicks.
The Bruch is wonderful, the attack of the double stops is brilliant, while the slow movement is the most poetic and poignant I've ever heard (I own 10+ different recordings of this piece).
The Lalo is firely and on the string. Perhaps not as festive as some other recordings, but just as powerful.
I must disagree with the reviewer who complained about the Vieuxtemps - violinists agree that this recording is absolutely spectacular, a more thoughtful recording that most, and just as dazzling and virtuosic.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional - a Revelation!!!!, August 16, 2003

By 

cej18 "cej18" (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bruch, Vieuxtemps: Violin Concertos; Lalo: Symphonie Espagnole (Audio CD)

Pinchas Zukerman must be the most musical person on this planet. Extraordinarily lush and passionate performances!!!! Incomparable (& I have several other interpretations of the Bruch).