Customer Reviews

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 3 & 5; Adagio for Violin & Orchestra

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I purchased this CD after reading Ted Libbey's glowing review, and because, with due reverence for such deities as Heifetz, Perlman, Laredo, and Mutter, I have become enamored, over the past few years, with Lin's subtle virtuosity. He plays in such a way as to focus all of one's attention on the piece, rather than on the performer, and his playing is so deft and deeply insightful that one almost takes his grace and power for granted. This CD shows these qualities at their best, and I have found myself continually going back to it and playing it again and again. It has become an indispensible member of my CD collection, and I cannot believe anyone who loves either Mozart or the violin can afford to be without it. It's really that wonderful. This is the first time I have felt compelled to write a review, but this CD demands it.

This CD contains stellar versions of Mozart's violin concertos #3 and #5. The orchestra has a lovely string tone -- perfectly light and present -- with a wonderfully recorded image. The slow movement of #3 with its prominent flutes is the best version I have heard. The solo work of Lin is excellent. Highly recommended. As I said on my review of the disc containing #1 and #4 this could have perhaps been more generously programmed in terms of minutes but that is a small matter when the quality is so good.

I bought this as a cassette tape when it was first released and fell in love with it. Since then, I have moved and have a long commute to work. This album has preserved my sanity. Lin's interpretation of the Adagio is superb. I am now purchasing the CD of his Mozart and as well as other albums of Cho-Liang Lin to continue as my commute-saver.

Cho-Liang Lin and Raymond Leppard continue the survey of Mozart violin concerti on this superb recording, a companion to the recording of the concerti 1 and 4. Here the well-matched duo offer No. 3 in G major, K. 216 and No. 5 in A major ("Turkish") K. 219 in performances that are technically immaculate and rich in tonal color and warmth.

Cho-Liang Lin, though young here, possesses one of the richest tones of any violinist on the stage today. Though his clarity of line is crystalline, he finds the romance of the melodies and brings them forward in an inimitable fashion. Raymond Leppard conducts the English Chamber Orchestra with style and great sensitivity to Lin's phrasing.

The true bonus of this recording is the 'encore' of the sublime Adagio for violin & orchestra in E major, K. 261, a work that fits Lin like a glove. It is surely the most beautiful performance of this work on record. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, May 06