Customer Reviews

Violin Concertos

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

 

 

Alexander Markov's performances of these concertos rank with the very best. In the second concerto, he has no competition at all. The concerto resembles the concertos by Paganini and Ernst. It is a tremendously difficult work but Markov plays with almost gypsy-like abandon. In the fourth and fifth concertos, Markov offers a formidable competition to legendary Heifetz recordings. Heifetz had more mature and balanced (but just as fiery)concept and had a better grasp of piece, but Markov has a much better recording. And the addition of rarely-played No.2 adds value to this CD. Strongly recommended.

This CD immetiately caught my fancy. Let me start by saying that I have heard various remarks about intonation being off and such-
Although there are a few spots where one can detect that, it detracts in no way from the CD. My only comment could be that he could take his time a little more in terms of tempo. However, his slightly fast approach really has dazzling effect in the finale-type movements, which are faster than most recordings I have heard before. His sound/tone is just right, as is his dynamic pallete.
I highly recommend this CD for anybody.

Despite what critics say, I enjoy this recording. The playing style of Alexander Markov is so expressive -- you can see that he is living inside the world of his music, not just mechanically reproduces the score. And this performance involves you into the musician's world. For a sentimental person like me, this recodring is a source of the beautiful emotional experience. Just listen to the Finale of the 5-th Concerto -- it's a firework of emotions!

I am puzzled by all the controversy generated by this release. At the same time, it has taken me many years to realize (and tolerate!) that people are not only different, but hear & perceive differently. So, my modest contribution here is to praise the release for its good performance, excellent recording and adventurous programming. I do find it worth your money.
Now it is your call...

It is amazing in today's day and age with all the different gadgets they have in the recording studio that this recording of the Vieuxtemps Violin Concertos could be released with so many out of tune passages, scales, and above all bad playing. I do not recommend this CD.

I have to agree with the other reviewers. The playing is simply bad, no intonation=nothing for me and that's what this record is to me by listening to the samples which were enough for me to determine how bad it really is..don't waste your money.

This is for all the critics in this item (music failers)
Is not the best recording of this concert. Is true. But saying "Markov intonation is horrible", you might be really insane, and have not any knowlege about music. Suppose Markov intonation is horrible (is not true, is good), WHAT ABOUT YOU????? Do you think you are better??????? Markov have more success in music that you have, how it is possible????????
The reason is: Markov is a professional musician,very good violinist, not brillant but correct, and you are just a big mouth.

Markov intonation is very good and his vibrato too. All this critics that say "is horrible" can't play a note

MARKOV a talented professional musician, who win money playing the violin VS. A group of big mouth failers.

YOU CHOOSE

Markov gives the listener a really uneasy feeling when it comes down to interpretation, because of lack of judgement and poor reasoning skills without any respect for what has been done in the past.