Customer Reviews

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D major Op. 35/ Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor op. 23

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you enjoy violin or piano, you need to buy and watch this DVD. The skill and passion of both soloists provides an evening you won't forget and will soon want to repeat. Camera work is exceptional, showing fingering during Vengerov's fabulous performance of the Violin Conerto in D Major and also Sultanov's flashing hands as he performs the Piano Concerto No. 1. The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra is excellent as is Pavel Kogan's conducting.

Both of these young virtuosos (at the time of the taping Vengerov was either 16 or 17) give an excellent performance of their respective concertos. In fact, I think Vengerov's tone in this concerto is often superior to his subsequent performance of the Sibelius concerto (also on DVD) done 7 years later, although his technical ability has obviously improved as there are a few miscues here and there.

The audio and video are good, but one of the camera angles makes this DVD a 4 star rather than a 5. The tight shot of Vengerov is horrible. He moves around a lot while playing and the shot ends up going back and forth from his face to his violin to his fingers. In fact, the cameraman was trying to move back and forth with Vengerov and ended up looking like an amateur being faked out by a quarterback in a football game. Whoever edited this video really blew it here. Other than that I highly recommend this DVD.

Sound quality is absolutely among the best in any DVD recording of this type. I disagree to any complaints on the sound quality. Recording of the Piano Concerto is exceptionally impressive. Never have had this kind of sound effect on any of my DVD's. However, I do agree to some criticism that the pianist may be a little bit nervous. Consider the age of the artist, I still rate this DVD a 5 star.

I thought the sound was more than adequate. Vengerov is already amazing at 16 when this recording was made. It was interesting to watch him play at this early stage in his career, and you can already see the special talent that he has. His playing is grand, romantic, and very musical. He easily conquers the demanding pyrotechnics in the Tchaiskovsky. Also watch his vibrato.

Maxim Vengerov does an incredible job with the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, rivalling the legendary David Oistrakh in this attempt. However something seems to be wrong with Sultanov's Tchaikovsky Piano concerto. the piano sound seems very hollow and not very clean and that's really weird. Another reason i do not give 5 stars is that the conductor isn't very supportive and sometimes Vengerov gets rushed by the orchestra, which is a little irritating.

Sound: At first, the sound was unfocused, but after I switched the sound channel (option in the DVD menu), the sound became significantly better, reached almost CD quality.

Picture: the resolution is quite high, allowing me to see every placement and Vengerov's fingers. criticism- the camera sometimes zooms in too much (can give a head ache!)

Performance: young Vangerov is great! Great technique, pleasing musicality, and intense moments makes this DVD satisfying. criticism- the orchestra isn't always perfectly together with the soloist.

If you are a Tchaikovsky fan you will love this DVD. Pavel Kogan is a great conductor, such charisma with his orchestra. I will try to see him performing live in New York very soon. The only very sad thing is that Alexei Sultanov the pianist is now passed away! He died in 2005 after many strokes at the age of 35! This is so sad, for he was a pleasure to watch and listen to and I would have loved to go see him live.

I am very happy and thrilled with this music DVD. The Piano Concerto No1 is what I am really after and the Violin Concerto is a welcome bonus.

...anybody who loves Tchaikovsky's work will enjoy these two fine performances.
The video and sound are very good, not CD but there aren't that many choices around so don't be picky!
The two young soloists were great, a couple of little mistakes here and there, but... I wish I could play like that!
I would recommend spending your money on this DVD.

The violin concerto is good enough yet the piano concerto is not that good the pianist makes several mistakes, extremely nervous and the work fails in comparison to other performances, sound is not as good there is a lack of life in the sound which is rather obscure