Tchaikovsky, Sibelius: Violin Concertos - The Classic Sound / Chung, Previn [Import]

Chung (Artist), Previn (Artist), London Symphony Orchestra (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 10, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Polygram Int'l
• ASIN: B0000041V8
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #353,558 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Vn Con In D, Op.35: I. Allegro Moderato

2. Vn Con In D, Op.35: II. Canzonetta: Andante

3. Vn Con In D, Op.35: III. Finale; Allegro Vivacissimo

4. Vn Con In d, Op.47: I. Allegro Moderato

5. Vn Con In d, Op.47: II. Adagio Di Molto

6. Vn Con In d, Op.47: III. Allegro, Ma Non Tanto

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Depth, scintillating clarity, passion, sibelian bleakness!, May 20, 2003

By 

Passionate "eclectic_collector" (Stoke on Trent, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tchaikovsky, Sibelius: Violin Concertos - The Classic Sound / Chung, Previn (Audio CD)

Kyung Wha Chung is one of the truly outstanding (and diffident) violinists of the 20th century. Musically and technically, she stands on the cusp of the late 20th century: the irrefutable influence of the aging Russian models of near-perfection (heifetz, milstein, oistrakh, kogan etc) and the currently evolving schools of purity and accuracy lacking personality or spirit. Anyone listening to Chung will recognise her style, as one does the Great Masters of the early-mid 20th century, but marvel at her accuracy and purity, and musical intelligence.

The Sibelius is probably the finest version on disc, taking into consideration the main competitors (Heifetz versions and possibly another Oriental virtuoso).

Strengths in Chung's performance:
a) Interpretation is 5 gold stars, dazzling and passionate, with plenty of "Fire without warmth" that characterizes Sibelius. No hint of over-romaticizing in the second movement, though it is the Heifetz versions which move me to tears with the intensity and darkness of the brilliance here.
b) Rapport with Andre Previn, who is one of the most seriously underrated conductors of his time. 5 Gold Stars.
c) Orchestral playing by the LSO at their very best. 5 Gold Stars
d) Recording quality and remastering are absolutely excellent. 5 Silver Stars.

I was awestruck by this version when I first heard it on vinyl release, and I have never tired of it after 30 years of listening on all media to date. I have no adverse comments whatever.

The Tchaikovsy is excellent, really vibrant and spontaneous. 5 Stars. I listen to the versions by Milstein (1959 stereo, Steinberg cond) and Leonid Kogan (1959 stereo, Silvestri cond) more frequently, however, for their silvery articulation. Nevertheless, I love to hear Chung's from time to time, for its freshness and recorded quality. A great version.

You will cherish this CD.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You must hear the Sibelius, September 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Tchaikovsky, Sibelius: Violin Concertos - The Classic Sound / Chung, Previn (Audio CD)

Yes, the Tchaikovsky is good. But buy this disc for the Sibelius if you like this concerto. The quality of the Sibelius recording is superior to that of the Tchaikovsky and I rather think Chung was a little more on her form. The Tchaikovsky is not up to the standards of the Classic Sound series in my opinion, but the Sibelius is definitely first class.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Delicate, Personal Readings Of Venerable Violin Favorites, April 2, 2005

By 

David M. Garrett (San Antonio, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tchaikovsky, Sibelius: Violin Concertos - The Classic Sound / Chung, Previn (Audio CD)

Purchased based on guidance found here and from Gramophone, I am not disappointed in Ms. Chung's reading of the venerable violin concertos from Tchaikovsky and Sibelius. Overall the CD is very satisfying both in terms of performances and sound. Ms. Chung's performance has a wonderful personal quality which, while technically satisfactory will seem somewhat delicate to listeners more accustomed to (and expecting parity with) Heifetz, Stern or Mutter. This departure from expectation shows refreshing independence relative to the dogma of precision over passion. Though a departure from more traditional readings, Ms. Chung's personal style does not disappoint. The Tchaikovsky concerto is excellent though I recommend considering Mutter or Josefowicz. The Sibelius, however, is first-rate by any standard and fully justifies the critic's accolades. In both accounts Previn and the London Symphony are in top form, as they deliver superior support while ensuring proper balance between orchestra and soloist. A wonderful addition to the catalog of these classics.