Prokofiev: Violin Concertos 1 & 2; Sonata for Solo Violin

Sergey Prokofiev (Composer), André Previn (Conductor), London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: André Previn
• Composer: Sergey Prokofiev
• Audio CD (April 9, 1996)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B000001GRF
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #105,795 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended, but not a first choice, January 6, 2001

By 

Amberyl "geek of many interests" (Washington DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prokofiev: Violin Concertos 1 & 2; Sonata for Solo Violin (Audio CD)

Shaham brings his customary good-natured, sweet-voiced interpretations to the two violin concertos of Prokofiev. He is technically impeccable (though there are a few, like Dmitri Sitkovetsky, who are able to bring even greater clarity to the passagework), and musically astute. Those for whom Shaham is a first choice in violinists, and are seeking a recording of these concertos, can purchase this CD without second thoughts. However, for others, this CD should not be a first choice in this repertoire, unless one has their heart set on buying this specific repertoire on a single disc.

The first concerto, alternatively lyrical and demonic, is probably best served on modern recordings by Maxim Vengerov, who also has the advantage of superb accompaniment at the hands of Rostropovich; Vengerov brings fire and passion to the concerto, at the expense of some clarity. Cho-Liang Lin and D. Sitkovetsky, both (like Shaham) former Dorothy Delay pupils, interpret this concerto in a way quite similar to Shaham's, and are also reasonable alternatives (Sitkovetsky's in particular for its sterling clarity and super-budget price). However, there are three very fine historical recordings that trump the modern ones.

One is Nathan Milstein's studio recording (there's also a broadcast recording, interpretively quite similar, but the performance is marred by some noticeable moments of the soloist being lagged by the orchestra); Milstein brings his usual grace and sense of classical proportion to the work, in a recording which is probably a first choice. Another is David Oistrakh's recording; Oistrakh was a champion of this concerto, and he plays what is probably the most identifiably "Russian" interpretation. The final recording is Joseph Szigeti's, interpretively quite distinct from anything else on record and well worth listening to.

In the second concerto, the competition is stiffer -- most of the major violinists of the 20th century recorded this work. Milstein must be mentioned again. Heifetz, too, brings his considerable virtuosity to this concerto (he did not, unfortunately, record the first). Shaham's lyrical playing serves him particularly well in the second movement of this concerto, though.

The inclusion of the solo sonata is a nice bonus, but probably shouldn't influence your purchasing decision much.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strongly Recommended, But Is It Definitive?, March 6, 2002

By 

John Kwok (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Prokofiev: Violin Concertos 1 & 2; Sonata for Solo Violin (Audio CD)

Without question, Gil Shaham is one of our finest young violinists. Here he plays with his usual lyrical sweetness and splendid technical skill. Yet I concur with a previous reviewer that the finest recent recording of Prokofiev's 1st violin concerto is Maxim Vengerov's, since he demonstrates far more passion than Shaham (Vengerov's performance of the 2nd violin concerto is almost as fine.). Unfortunately, both performances are on two separate Teldec recordings with Rostropovich conducting the London Symphony Orchestra, so Shaham's interpretations might be preferable to those interested in getting both concerti on one CD. Speaking of conducting, Previn shows he is an admirable accompanist to Shaham, and is as astute interpreter of Prokofiev's music as Rostropovich. The sound quality is absolutely superb; it's slightly better than the Vengerov/Rostropovich Teldec CDs.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful, April 26, 2000

By 

"russellvlad" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prokofiev: Violin Concertos 1 & 2; Sonata for Solo Violin (Audio CD)

Prokofiev's violin concertos are among the greatest and most immediately likeable pieces of music written this century. This is by far the best recording I have heard of them. The sound is beautiful and Gil Shaham achieves a remarkable degree of emotional clarity. He obviously truly understands and loves these pieces. Tears are brought to my eyes every time I hear this CD.