Customer Reviews

Mozart: The 5 Violin Concertos

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As had been said before, Grumiaux' collection may be more satisfying, and Perlman may let his interpretations slide into Romanticism than is recommended, but does that merit a one or two-star rating? I hardly think so. While this may not be Perlman's greatest effort, it is nevertheless a consistently good collection of performances with a solid backing from Levine & the Vienna Philharmonic through & through. The reasonably good price on the CDs makes it a worthwhile addition to any collection, even though it won't be the first choice for purists.

For those purists who cannot abide Perlman & his romantic indiscretions, I would point out that he is far from the most egregious example of Romanticism run amok whilst playing Mozart, and in fact is remarkably restrained when compared to some who have rendered Mozart almost unrecognizable. Let's try to have some perspective here.

Ok these reviews are getting a little out of hand. I own both this recording and the Grumiaux/Davis/LSO recording. While the Grumiaux IS more enjoyable, I don't see much wrong with the Perlman. Perlman's take on these concertos is quite different from Grumiaux's; while Grumiaux goes for more of a detached aloofness, Perlman tries more romantic of an approach. I know, I know, Mozart isn't meant to be played romantic, but to these ears this interpretation is rather fresh. If you are going to choose one set, buy the Grumiaux. If you want an alternative interpretation, though, give this a try.

This recording of the Mozart violin concertos is quite simply the best available. Although these pieces have been recorded many times, Mozart comes alive in this rendering by Perman and Levine in a way rarely,if ever, matched. By way of comparison, one may think of the earlier readings of Stern, Szeryng, and Oistrakh. The last mentioned are, in their own right, outstanding and will always remain within the repertoire. However, there is a suave and grace about Perlman's performance that sets it apart, not to mention the beautifully recorded sound by DG. Get it!

I have a couple of Perlman's CDs and love his strong emotional play style, especially his Kreutzer with Ashkenazy. I also have the K216 by Sophie Mutter for over 15 years and have listened to it over a 100 times. Recently, I was wondering what the K216 will sound like with Perlman's forceful style.

I brought this CD and was very disappointed at first. It is not the style I expected and in fact, it is exactly the opposite. I felt like I was listening to a very good young musician, very good techniques but no emotions. However, when I listen to it with an open mind, I started to understand this is just perfect, a classical Mozart, melody, harmony and light.

I get to know Perman a little better. A job well done by Perlman and Levine!

Perlman and Levine take a very relaxed approach to these masterworks. If you are in the mood, the performances are very good. But this music has much more passion than these performances exhibit. Perlman almost sounds like he is showing the world how easy this music is to play. That is fine but most of the tension is totally missing. I suspect the Perlman of the 1960's would have played these works much differently. That sense of excitement from his early years is really missing here.

Here, Perlman's romanticized style can be heard as always, and Levine comes sort of loose; it is difficult for me to listen to this disc often. As other reviewers suggest, Grumiaux is probably the best one. (and it is a bargain also) His Mozart is tight, well formed and sophisticated. Grumiaux's Mozart is a joy to listen to over and over.

Perlman and Levine's performances of Mozart Viloin Concertos, and especially the 5th Violin Concerto, are expertly done. The music flows, the tempo is easy to follow, and it is a pleasure to listen to. In my opinion, this is how Mozart ought to be performed.

I personally haven't heard Grumiaux's version of these works, but all I can say is that this is a great couple of discs. I have an extensive classical collection of a wide range of composers, and these are 2 of my favorites. The playing is warm, expressive, and totally virtuosic. You'll hear hints of Gypsy/Slavic themes. As good as it gets.

Probably the most amazing thing about this recording is how easy Itzhak Perlman makes his playing sound. Mozart's violin concertos might not be as difficult as a concerto by Paganini, but they certainly aren't easy to play. Perlman plays the concerti with enoguh passion and flare, but he never exceeds the Mozartean taste. Levine and the Vienna Philharmonic are wonderful. The balance between solo and orchestra are excellent.

This collection, by 2 of the most brilliant musicians, a magnificent orchestra, recorded perfectly in a beautiful packaging for a great price. What more do you want? I play this CD at least once a month and every time I am enveloped in perfect beauty and joy. A must for any classical music library.