Customer Reviews

Play Favorite Standards

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2 star:		(1)
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You simply can't go wrong with a combination of two of the most talented violinists of our time. This cd is a wonderful showcase for them both and the choice of music is the greatest classics. It's a fun, winner of a cd.

They're both brilliant violinists but in very different genres, and Menuhin by his own admission never learned to improvise (unlike many of today's classical performers): he was trained in the post-Liszt, pre-jazz window when improvisation had died out in classical music and even cadenzas followed the score strictly (if Beethoven didn't write one, play Kreisler's). And it shows, rather painfully. He achieves a brilliant tone but that's about it: he plays these Broadway tunes completely "straight", and any student could do that equally well.

The CD is worthwhile for its curiosity value, but you'd get much better musical value buying Grappelli's jazz and Menuhin's classical recordings separately.

I was really surprised at how much I've come to like this collection. I was brought up in a musical household, and my father was known as a "swing cellist" back in the 40's and 50's when he played professionally. My wife dismisses this as "old fogey" music (although she still likes Cliff Richard), and my daughter insists on Pink Floyd, Brian Eno and Blondie in the car. So I'm only allowed to play this kind of thing when I'm on my own.
I am rarely a fan of "crossover" productions - classical singers attempting pop, or vice versa. Much as I like Sting, I'd much prefer Emma Kirkby singing Dowland. And as for the insufferable Michael Bolton - well, please!
These guys, on the other hand, are obviously having a great time together, executing the superb arrangements exquisitely, and for me, at least, bringing back memories of a happy childhood.
Note that this album has been reissued with a different packaging, so you don't have to pay through the nose for an aftermarket copy. Take the time to listen to the excerpts here on Amazon - if you like the music of this era, I think you'll be hooked.

Music just does not get any better than this CD! I am a musician and hearing these two artists is a thrill. This is a CD for all music lovers. You will not be sorry if you purchase this CD