Customer Reviews

Israel Philharmonic Orchestra - 60th Anniversary Gala Concert

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I wasn't sure whether to give this recording four or five stars. The music is wonderful; there is nothing to complain about in that area. The Halvorsen variations on Handel are quite simply divine and without comparison. The piece showcases two of the best violinists of our day (Perlman and Zukerman) and in this recording they prove that they deserve their title. The Vivaldi for Four Violins is incredibly expressive. The musicians cannot be faulted for anything, however the recording engineers can. This is a live concert and thus there is clapping at the end of each piece. The clapping is irritating in that it takes away the feeling left after the music. In the case of the Vivaldi, someone actually starts to clap before the last note is over! However, if you can survive the clapping, you will be buying a remarkable recording by some of the greatest musicians of our day. I strongly recommend it.

This is one of the best live classical recordings I have ever heard. It features an incredible collection of talented musicians, then proceeds to showcase them all with dazzling pieces that demonstrate their talents. Especially notable is the duet between Zukerman and Perlman when they play Halvorsen's "Passacaglia" - it truly sends chills up my spine. Other fine pieces on the discs include the overture to "Oberon" by Weber, as well as the unique "Concerto for 4 Violins" by Vivaldi. Overall, this set of 2 CD's is wonderful, and definitely warrants a purchase.

A live concert with the best violinist of our time! Superbly recorded. Those who are going to buy this should buy the video too! The video not only includes the interview with the violinist, but also a marvellous off-the-show performance by Gil Shaham. Shaham may not be that outstanding in this concert but you'll see this is not true if you have watched the video, too.

Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman's duet on "Passacaglia and Sarabande with variations on a theme by Handel for violin and viola" is excellent !! It exhibits almost all skillsets that could be do with a string instrument and how good they have been handled!! This recording is indescribably good !

This is one of my top 5 Cd's in a vast collection. I bought an extra 10 for presents. The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO)was aptly described by Toscanini as an orchestra of virtuoso soloists. Its strings are together with the Chicago Symphony the absolute top. Every piece is spectacular, warm and insightful. It is evident that the musicians understand the importance of the event. The Halverson Handel variation alone is worth the purchase. It has to be one the most amazing pieces ever recorded.

I have had three of these cds over the years (now buying my fourth), keep loaning them to people, and never get them back. I actually saw this on tv when it aired and watched with mouth agape as the Handel Halvorsen duet burst from the tv. I could not believe I was listening to a live performance - of course, I'm sure that is exactly what made the performance so electric. Amazing.

I read the comments of other people before I purchased the CD. The Voilins are excellent. I bought the CD because of prior experience with the 70th Anniversal of Ireal Philharmonic Orchestra DVD and wanted more of their performance. Also I would like to listen to Brahms Sythony 2 played by different Orchestra because the one I owned did not seem to be too interesting. What a difference it made with the same piece of mucsic! The voilin players are so good that the Symphony 2 is not as important any more. Personally I do think the Isreal Philharmonic Orchestra is a lot better than both the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. You can tell the different instruments when they come out, yet they blend very well with the rest of the Orchestra. It does not take someone who is particular a classic music lover to tell the difference in the performance.

I bought this CD, then I bought one for my grandparents. Now I lost it. My absolutely favorite piece was the concerto for four violins. Unfortunately, I've now discovered i-tunes and just bought those tracks. Maybe that's not the best idea, but at least I can't lose it again.