Customer Reviews

Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 2; Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1

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

 

 

The Bruch was recorded c. 1970, a period when Rosand's technical polish and personal style were a nearly perfect amalgam. The impulse and drive in these performances, especially the Bruch, are tremendous. The orchestra support is better than the usual Rosand received. The live recordings are clear and relatively quiet considering their provenance. I'm less sanguine about the Paganini; thus the four stars overall. Buy it for the Bruch, which easily holds its own with Perlman and reminds me even more of Heifetz.

I have heard my share of *boring* Bruch #2's. While not technically challenging for the violinist, it is a piece that is difficult to keep the listener fully engaged in throughout and until I ran across this recording of Rosand's, I didn't think there were any decent ones on the market. I never
liked Heifetz's as it is way too angular; Perlman's is quite good but I've think we've heard enough of him. Rosand's is outstanding, and easily one of his best recordings. The intonation is feckless and the technique nearly perfect. Rosand and Paganini have never gotten along well, I don't think. And other reviewers concur with this opinion. Rosand
was not a violinistic daredevil and not usually one for spontaneity, but he does far better with the Paganini here than I would ever have expected. It is a pleasure
listening to him toss off the double-stop sixteenths and runs with such ease. The cadenza is spectacular - it's not one of the standard ones, a refreshing change from the abbreviated one by Sauret that most people play.

Rosand was always one of the most reliable recording violinists and in some respects, he's in a class by himself. Check out his other concerto recordings if you haven't already - most of them are some of the best ever made - the rarely heard Joachim Hungarian Concerto, the Hubay Concerto, and others. He could quickly become your favorite violinist, or one of them.