Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 3 & 4; Rondos KV 261a & KV 373

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Composer), James Levine (Conductor), Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: James Levine
• Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Audio CD (April 5, 1991)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B000001GE9
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #472,582 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K. 216: Allegro

2. Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K. 216: Adagio

3. Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K. 216: Rondeau Allegro

4. Violin Concerto No. 4 in D major, K. 218: Allegro

5. Violin Concerto No. 4 in D major, K. 218: Andante cantabile

6. Violin Concerto No. 4 in D major, K. 218: Rondeau, Andante grazioso

7. Rondo for violin & orchestra in C major, K. 373

8. Rondo for violin & orchestra in B flat major, K. 269 (K. 261a)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the modern instrument digital versions..., January 30, 2001

By 

J. Buxton "cantabile" (Waltham, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 3 & 4; Rondos KV 261a & KV 373 (Audio CD)

I cannot argue with another reviewer's glowing praise for the Oistrakh (although Oistrakh did not have the benefit of digital sound), but in my opinion the Perlman by no means takes a back seat to it. I have always found this recording to be fresh and engaging. The violin playing is sweet and warm, as Perlman seems most concerned with making the most of each phrase. The ambience of the recording I found to be very pleasing, and the orchestral playing shows a great deal of dynamic range and sensitivity to the composer's intention with these works. In short, I have been very happy with this recording of these works for many years and I can confidently recommend it.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Heifetz or Oistrakh instead, April 23, 2000

By 

Gorky "freemark10" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 3 & 4; Rondos KV 261a & KV 373 (Audio CD)

Heifetz or Oistrakh instead..... Perlman spends his time in virtuosity, but the issue is more with the orchestra where Levin's direction is totally neutral, lifeless and even boring in some moments... Definitely try the Grumiaux version, Oitrakh (EMI) or Heifetz (Sony). Personnaly i like the power and fantastic sound deployed by Oitrakh's violin in all his records, certainly the most impressive: this man had an incredible force in his arm to play so nicely and he is unique. Heifetz (Sony) is different and in the fourth and fifth concerto, so emotional that you listen the records everyday with the same admiration and emotion. Then you realize why Mozart was unique, and also why he deserves that artists make the effort at least to be lively when playing his music and not monotone. Mozart violin concertos are uncomparable, and I would advise staying away from this record.