Customer Reviews

Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 1 / Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No. 1

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This is quite the statement, I know, but feel I must join in with the seemingly universal praise for this album. This is by far the most superb recording of Shostakovich Violin Concerto no. 1 out there, for a piece that is in my opinion perhaps Shostakovich's absolute best. There are always a lot of comments about the piece as "banal" or standard, but whatever, this is the shostakovich sound at its finest, and perhaps at its most modern. It's a piece that he dared not perform while Stalin was still alive, and when you listen to it you'll hear why. I remember listening to it on the radio for the first time and thinking, especially during the second and fourth movements, that the striking dissonances and unrelenting motion surely must be the work of Bartok or some more "progressive" Eastern European composer, but the undeniable Russian-ess of the work shines through in the end. And the unmatchably powerful 1st and 3rd movements (especially the 3rd- my God!) could really be no one but Shostakovich.

That said, this performance definetely wins all the prizes for capturing the essense of the musicality on which the piece is based. The torment, the anguish, the stomping through life, Vengerev and his Stradivarius capture it perfectly. Just about every nuance in the solo performance is exactly the way it should be. Vengerev's tone stings you, it pierces right through the typically dark orchestration right to the soul. And Rostopovich is right there for the ride, in perfect counterbalance.

The only criticism I can think of for this album is that some of the orchestra tuttis are a bit muddy- there isn't the same clarity of recording that is devoted to the solo part. It sounds to me like perhaps the solo part had like three mics, and the rest of the orchestra had two. However, this hardly negates the imperative that you buy this album. The performances are unsurpassable. And, as an extra bonus, you get the Prokofiev no. 1, hardly a throw away piece, in fact an incredible piece of music, performance, and recording in it's own right (In fact, the recording techniques that I criticize work much better in this piece). However, it's not the show-stopping, breath-taking, heart-pounding, tear-jerking, death-defying magnum opus that is the Shostakovich Violin concerto no. 1. Buy it.

It would be difficult to imagine a more perfect match for these two concerti than Maxim Vengerov and Mstislav Rostropovich. Not only do the two innately understand the shared Russian spirit inherent in Prokofiev's and Shostakovich's music, they also happen to be superb musicians who can make these two concerti appear simple to the ear when they require such an enormous degree of dexterity.

The phrasing and thematic exploration by Vengerov is astonishingly right and in every way and every moment his interpretation is mirrored by Rostropovich and the responsive London Symphony Orchestra. While music lovers will probably be more thrilled with the eloquent beauty of the Prokofiev (and this is certainly the finest recording I have heard of this concerto), Vengerov's virtuosity and clarity of technique should now bring others into the fold of devotees of the Shostakovich.

Recorded in 1994 this CD is remains the Gold Standard for these two spectacular concerti. The recording ambience is rich and full and almost as exciting as being in the concert hall. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, August 05

I bought this disc mainly for the Shostakovich, arguably my favorite violin concerto. Its unusual structure begins with a mournful and elegiac slow movement, ending with a shimmering, haunting phrase as the violin and orchestra slowly fade out. The second movement is shorter -- about four minutes of whirling virtuosity that will certainly wake up anyone dozing.

The slow, passionate third movement is, in the right hands, one of the most supremely moving and beautiful in all violin literature, rising to a stirring climax. The raucous finale -- a mad, thrilling chase -- shows off a violinist's technique as superbly as anything ever written. This recording benefits from a white-hot soloist, a glowing orchestra and one of the world's greatest Shostakovich interpreters.

For reference, I do love Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg's feverish, slightly out-of-control recording (conducted by the composer's son, Maxim), as well as one by prodigious newcomer Hilary Hahn. But this version is outstanding in every way. The London Symphony Orchestra sounds terrific and Rostropovich demonstrates, yet again, that playing the cello is just one of his many talents.

The Prokofiev is a slightly different animal -- not quite as moving to my ears as the Shostakovich, but still a marvelous piece, and the performance is equally impressive. One reviewer used the word "sparkling" -- exactly the right word.

In short: two 20th-century violin masterpieces delivered with great sophistication and panache.

First off, not only do I think that Maxim Vengerov is the absolute best viloinists I have ever heard but I am equally just as sure that he is the very best musician I know of, living or dead. He is incredible and this recording is one of the best records I have ever owned!!!

His reading of the Prokofiev piece is absolutely flawless. Every note he plays seems exactly right. When I listen to this recording I get so immediately lost in the performance that I am swept away by every succeeding note. An unbelievable performance! This is musical ecstacy!

I liked the Shostakovich peice well enough even before this recording but I always felt it had a disjointed, peiced together feel to it in places that I couldn't imagine anyone overcoming. In Vengerov's hands this piece is transformed into one logically flowing artistic statement that seems to easily state all of this compositions many technical and emotional twists and turns.

This recording is so wonderful that I have purchased it for several friends as a gift and all of them, whether they like this type of music or not, have fallen in love with both this record and Maxim Vengerov.

I can't recall ever before daring to label anything "definitive," but I can't imagine this recording being surpassed. In particular, I can't conceive anyone performing the solo parts better. Vengerov's singing tone matches his awe-inspiring technique. For me, he is the new violinist god, the heir of Jascha Heifetz. Vengerov is ably supported by Rostropovich (who is a god among the cellists, but not among conductors, and has a particular authority as an interpreter of Prokofiev and Shostakovich).

Vengerov makes the best case for the Shostakovich that I've ever heard (eclipsing Salerno-Sonnenberg and Ostriakh). It still seems to me to have passages of banality, but the ratio of brilliance to banality seems higher than in other performances.

I have always considered the Prokofiev First to be the most beautiful 20th century violin concerto. Vengerov's recording of the Barber launched it as a rival for this distinction. Both are incredibly gorgeous (at least through the first two movements of the Barber). Every violin-lover should have Vengerov's Barber and Vengerov's performances with Rostropovich of both Prokofiev and both Shostakovich concerti.

This recording of Shostakovich and Prokofiev is absolutely the best recording that i have bought. I actually didn't know about these works but i bought it anyway because i knew that Vengerov's recordings are always unregrettable. When i first heard Shostakovich violin concerto, it really took my breath away and captured my heart. It is no doubt that Vengerov is going to be one of the best violinist in human history. It's not just the brilliant technique but also his soul shaking musicality. I believe that if a musician doesn't have his/her own special character and musicality that rings your heart, he/she's nothing. If i wanted listen to a recording which has perfect technique and without any heart&soul, i'd rather listen to a computer playing it. Vengerov has this character and this recording shows his character so well.

hi. I bought this CD in january and it is the BEST recording i've ever heard in my whole life. I listen to it everyday and i never get sick of it. Vengerov's tone is just fantastic and it really suits shostakovich and prokofiev's works. Brilliant technique that makes you shiver down the spine, and mostly, his spirit and passion you hear through the recording makes you cry sometimes! (especially in shostakovich concerto first movement!) I've heard a lot of his recordings and i can recommend you that this is the best recording he's ever done. you'll never regret buying this CD, unless you absolutely hate neo-classical music. bye

This recording of Vengerov's Shostakovich Concerto No. 1 is beyond a herculean accomplishment. He plays this piece as if his life depends on it, and the accompaniment by Rostropovich give it a heart-pounding intensity that will never be matched. This recording will become one of the greatest recordings ever made of this piece and Mr. Vengerov will, in my opinion, surpass the great Heifetz. The emotion behind his playing, the technical ease, and the driving force of his fiery playing make this a jaw-dropping experience for anyone.

Let me start off by saying...I'm no classical expert - I don't spend my days listening to different versions of the same piece played by different composers, solists, etc...

What I have seen in this is utter virtuosity from Vengerov... he can simply evoke any tone that he likes out of his violin. There's never a passage of doubt; vengerov makes his violin sing the melodies and plays with so much expression!

I prefer the Prokofiev piece, mainly because it seems to be more "concentrated" and less drawn out. It's always moving, rushing, flowing in a "contemporary" classical manner. I can agree with other reviewers stating this piece may just be the most beautiful piece of violin literature ever written.

The Shostakovich is more introverted and reflective; sometimes it is slow at places. Reading the liner notes (something all should do, IMHO) revealed the purposed for this - a tribute to the victims of the harrowing purges under Stalin. I also read that this piece was prohibited by Stalin for release - it was not until the death of Stalin that the piece was performed. Such adds to the harrowing, haunting melodies of the piece.

Like I said, I'm no classical expert, so I couldn't tell you how Rostropovich does as a conductor. As an "average Joe," this CD sounds marvelous to me!

This recording of Prokofiev's 1st violin concerto is by far the best that I have heard. This is probably the most challenging violin piece ever written, but Vengerov's musicality and lyricism overshadows the extreme technical difficulty. The concerto is phenominal and at a certain point it no longer feels like you are listening to the violin, but rather a transcendental cascade of music that you never before have heard.