Customer Reviews

Wienawski, Bruch: Violin Concertos

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

 

 

I rarely buy CDs for the soloist performing. I buy them for the composer, and consequently rarely buy CDs with multiple composers on them. Basically I didn't pay attention when I bought this CD. Well lucky me because not only is the Wieniaski great, but the Bruch and Tchaikovsky complement it very well. I definately recommend this CD to violin afficionados.

I was so impressed with this recording and as a violinist I believe that you should own a copy of this high class masterpiece. Stern's sound is so rich and deep that it touches your heart in a way that is life changing. If you want to hear a great master of the violin, buy this recording and you will not regret it.

Isaac Stern really pours it on. He plays with certainty and strength and makes even the more sedate parts shine and I think his impassioned interpretations during the Bruch and Wienawski are exciting. Never muddy, he adds depth and solidarity to the long notes and delicacy to the high ones. I enjoy the entire album but I especially enjoy the Bruch.

Wienawski, Bruch: Violin Concertos is a 1995 Sony Classics recording that can be divided into two parts. The first part stars Violinist Isaac Stern. He plays Henryk Wieniawski and Max Bruch. Eugene Ormandy leads the Philadelphia Orchestra. The second part are two pieces by Tachaikovsky. The first one is played by the National Symphony Orchestra and led by Mstilav Rostropovich. The second one is a played by Columbia Symphony Orchestra and led by Frank Brief. The performance by Stern is truly magical and is the truly the star attraction on this very fine recording. Such feeling for the music of Wieniawski! Werner Sobotzik has written the music notes. Highly recommended indeed. 5/5.

I mention the Wieniawski in my title because that's the reason to buy this CD. Stern's Bruch is certainly respectable, but his performance of the Wieniawski, accompanied by Ormandy and the Philadelphia at the height of their powers, has never been equaled.

As described in the previous reviews, Stern's firm, rich tone lend an especially soulful warmth to the first two movements. And his third movement is absolutely explosive - a white-knuckles, on-the-edge, roller coaster ride of pyrotechnic bravura and abandonment that place this performance in a class by itself.

The sonic quality of Columbia's recordings of the Philadelphia Orchestra during this era has gained legendary status for power, depth, and stunning immediacy. Part of this engineering formula was the fact the Stern's recordings featured closer mic-ing of the violin than any of his predecessors. In effect, Columbia's engineers moved the listener from the audience to the podium. With this recording you can almost smell the rosin dust.

By the way, the orginal LP was coupled with Ravel's Tzigane, another of Stern's unequaled performances, for much the same reasons mentioned above. A must, if you can find it.

Stern's approach which works so well for the Wieniawski robs the Bruch slightly of its aristocratic dignity. Try Lin or Heifetz, or the early (mono) Menuhin.

This is a great cd if you are looking for a cd for Bruch concerto no.1. I also have several cds for Bruch from other violinist, but I strongly recommend Isaac Stern for this piece. He has a very beautiful tone which other performers don't have.