Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 2 & 4/Divertimento No.1

1. Violin Concerto No. 2 in D major, K. 211
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra with Anne-Sophie Mutter
Conducted by Riccardo Muti

2. Violin Concerto No. 4 in D major, K. 218
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra with Anne-Sophie Mutter
Conducted by Riccardo Muti

3. Divertimento for string quartet (or string orchestra) in D major ("Salzburg Symphony No. 1"), K. 136 (K. 125a)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra , Anne-Sophie Mutter
Conducted by Riccardo Muti

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 2 & 4/Divertimento No.1,Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,Riccardo Muti,Berliner Philharmoniker,Philharmonia Orchestra of London,Anne-Sophie Mutter,Angel Records,Classical,Classical Music,Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento,Concerto,Orchestral,Violin Concerto

Average customer rating: (~~)==++ JULIA FISCHER: simply TREMENDOUS - a very RFRESHING new RECORDING by this very young Violinist!

Mozart, W.A.: Violin Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 5 Julia Fischer , W.A. Mozart , Netherlands Chamber Orchestra , and Yakov Kreizberg Manufacturer: Pentatone ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (Hybr) Mozart: Violin Concertos Russian Violin Concertos [Hybrid SACD] Brahms: Violin Concerto and Double Concerto [SA-CD - CD compatible] Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 2 [Hybrid SACD] ASIN: B000I2IPPC Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

1. Allegro Moderato
2. Adagio
3. Presto
4. Allegro Moderato
5. Andante
6. Rondeau (Allegro)
7. Allegro Aperto
8. Adagio
9. Rondeau (Tempo Di Menuetto)

Customer Reviews:

(~~)==++ JULIA FISCHER: simply TREMENDOUS - a very RFRESHING new RECORDING by this very young Violinist!.......2007-02-15

SEVEN STARS******* for the woman who releases a new CD almost every two months!

Right during "Mozart Year" 2006 a recording of Mozart works for violin - of all of his violin concertos on two CDs - was released by this very young and already fully established 1. Class Violinist. The release of these concertos of this tremendous quality shows or reveals JULIA FISCHER completely naturally and self-confident, and she proves to be a virtuoso, whose place is in the "thin air" of the violinistical "first league", who stands not only right by the side of but ahead of other well-established and outstanding violinists, and beyond that she belongs to the BEST OF THE VERY BEST VIOLINISTS THROUGHOUT THE WOLRD!

Julia Fischer plays her violin highly accurately and her intonation is completely clean (just as we have become accustomed to!) and she always produces a rather slightly and elegantly formed vibrato than to make it to pulsate extremely excessively; she is so certain about what she does when she is playing her violin and, to our great delight, she avoides "colouring" each note excessively and to form them in an overemphasised expressiveness and intensity, and this way she avoids unnecessary vibrato in general. HER ACOUSTIC "COLOURS" are discreet and VERY SPLENDID and of MUCH BRIGHTNESS as well as EXPRESSIVNESS, and they are much right to the point in each phrasing; JULIA FISCHER's TECHNICAL CONTROL and INTERPRETATION of THESE PIECES, as well as of PIECES BY OTHER COMPOSERS, are so PURE and HIGHLY PERFECT! This makes JULIA a TRUE and VERY FINE YOUNG MASTRESS OF the VIOLIN! This is a GRAND PLUS FOR HER, and her TECHNICAL CONTROL and INTERPRETATION of pieces for violin is GENERALLY TRUE FOR this WONDERFUL YOUNG VIOLINIST JULIA FISCHER. This is one more reason to ADMIRE HER SO MUCH!

There is one more ability, which makes me appreciate her and which makes JULIA even more admirable for me, that is the fact that SHE w r o t e / c o m p o s e d HER O W N and very beautifully created cadenzas for the five of Mozart's violin concertos - even at this very young age SHE "CADENCES" HERSELF! JULIA, I BOW FOR YOU for this! This way you I N S P I R E N E W L I F E INTO MOZART's violin works - and in particular into those "antiquated" (fusty!) old cadenzas which can be heard thousands of times from numerous other recordings of the same pieces... and which, therefore, have become known to everyone well enough and which we have so by now become a bit "tired" of (bored with!)..... (I do not mind those "old" cadenzas when they are performed/played by other virtuosos with much heart and soul as well as with much technical competence - but a few NEW, "REFRESHING" CADENZAS every now and then would be VERY WELL INTRODUCED into VIOLIN LITERATURE and SERVE us with a FRESH BREEZE of NEW MUSICALITY! THIS BREEZE now brings us to our great delight --- thanks to her musical capability and skills as well as thanks to her CLEAR and WELL-DEFINED UNDERSTANDING of MUSICAL CONTEXTS and thanks to the extraordinary and superior control of her instrument --- JULIA FISCHER!). Julia shows us that CLASSICAL MUSIC NOT ONLY lives from NEW INTERPRETATIONS or ideas, which refer to these, made by virtuosos, BUT can be VITALISED also BY INTRODUCING IDEAS OF COMPOSITION which are MADE BY CADENZAS CREATED BY VIRTUOSOS THEMSELVES!

Another, a third reason to name these recordings by Julia Fischer (one of) my absolutely favourite recordings is that somebody had the courage - much in Bach and Vivaldi style! - to use a HARPSICHORD AS ACCOMPANIMENT for the orchestral background. MOZART would be MUCH CHARMED and DELIGHTED about this really great accompaniment of his first two violin concertos, both of which were recorded with harpsichord accompaniment, through which these get a FRESH BREEZE of NEW MUSICALITY. This NEW FRESH BREEZE, in some passages, reminds me of Bach's and Vivaldi's violin concertos (maybe it reminds me a bit of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons"); the harpsichord in the orchestral background kind of slightly and discreetly eases the musical structure of these pieces. And Julia Fischer does not "seize" these concertos but plays as a perfectly matched partner of the orchestra and the conductor Yakov Kreizberg (who seems to be her preferred conductor)! JULIA, that's BEAUTIFUL! ASTONISHING!!!

So, the FRESHNESS and LIVELINESS OF THESE NEW RECORDINGS of the MOZART VIOLIN CONCERTOS REMIND me very strongly of JULIA FISCHER's SUPERB RECORDING of "THE FOUR SEASONS" which she made a view years ago and which was released on DVD; both her recordings of Vivaldi as well as of Mozart are for the same reasons HIGHLY REMARKABLE as well as RECOMMENDABLE, in particular, since there are also thousands of recordings of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" whose interpretations are, as I see it, "antiquated" (fusty!) and by which one gets bored or feels tired from. So, some years ago, JULIA FISCHER succeeded also in BREEZING NEW and FRESH MUSICALITY into ANTONIO VIVALDI's "THE FOUR SEASONS"! Among many other recordings by Julia Fischer, there is one particular recording by her which I would like to mention on this occasion and which can be heard in the same high quality only rarely from other violin virtuosos in a comparable quality. It is the recording of the RUSSIAN VIOLIN CONCERTO by ARAM KHACHATURIAN which belongs to my personal favourites made by Julia (and certainly it belongs to Julia's favourite concertos), because it brings so much warmth and musical depth into with the beautifulness of her violin play. And also some years ago, again really early in her career, she recorded the BACH SOLO SONATAS and PARTITAS as TERRIFICALLY as BRILLIANTLY - I BOW TO YOU AGAIN!! So much bowing...

Not only because of JULIA FISCHER's OUTSTANDING VIOLIN PLAY but also because of the use of the HARPSICHORD AS ACCOMPANIMENT of the FIRST TWO of MOZART's VIOLIN CONCERTOS --- and F I R S T O F A L L because of the CADENZAS W R I T T E N AND C R E A T E D BY JULIA FISCHER H E R S E L F ! --- I would (if possible!) give AT LEAST SEVEN or MORE STARS for these REFERENCIAL RECORDINGS! ALWAYS KEEP GOING JULIA!! And PLEASE ALSO KEEP COMPOSING FURTHER CADENZAS, please also for those concertos by other composers!

Average customer rating: one of the best one

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 1-3; Rondo, K. 373 Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Oistrakh, David | ( O ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Oistrakh, David | ( O ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 4 & 5; Rondo concertante; Rondo; Adagio Bach: Violin Concertos Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77 Brahms: Violin Concerto; Mozart: Sinfonia Mozart: Horn Concertos Nos. 1-4 ASIN: B00005NPJK Release Date: 2002-08-13

Tracks:

1. Violin Concerto No.1 In B Flat, K.207: I. Allegro Moderato
2. Violin Concerto No.1 In B Flat, K.207: II. Adagio
3. Violin Concerto No.1 In B Flat, K.207: III. Presto
4. Violin Concerto No.2 In D, K.211: I. Allegro Moderato
5. Violin Concerto No.2 In D, K.211: II. Andante
6. Violin Concerto No.2 In D, K.211: III. Rondeau (Allegro)
7. Violin Concerto No.3 In G, K.216: I. Allegro
8. Violin Concerto No.3 In G, K.216: II. Adagio
9. Violin Concerto No.3 In G, K.216: III. Rondeau (Allegro-Andante-Allegretto)
10. Rondo In C, K.373

Customer Reviews:

one of the best one .......2006-12-20

This is one of the best recordings of all Mozart violin concertos

Average customer rating: Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations

The Violinist Yehudi Menuhin , Johann Sebastian Bach , Bela Bartok , Ludwig van Beethoven , Alban Berg , Johannes Brahms , Max Bruch , Arcangelo Corelli , Edward Elgar , Franz Joseph Haydn , Edouard Lalo , Felix Mendelssohn , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Carl Nielsen , Niccolo Paganini , Camille Saint-Saens , Jean Sibelius , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Michael Tippett , Henri Vieuxtemps , Antonio Vivaldi , William Walton , Alberto Lysy , Anatole Fistoulari , Antal Dorati , Anthony Bernard , Gaston Poulet , John Pitchard , Mogens Woldike , Pierre Boulez , and Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berg | Berg, Alban | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bruch | Bruch, Max | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Corelli | Corelli, Arcangelo | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Lalo, Edouard | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Nielsen | Nielsen, Carl | ( N ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tippett | Tippett, Michael | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vieuxtemps | Vieuxtemps, Henri | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia Concertante | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet The Glory of Rostropovich: 80th Birthday Tribute Schubert: 8 Symphonies Heifetz Showpieces ASIN: B0000BWTKJ Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro
2. II. Affettuoso
3. III. Allegro
4. I. Allegro
5. II. Andante
6. III. Allegro Assai
7. I. Allegro
8. II. Adagio
9. III. Allegro Assai
10. I. Vivace
11. II. Largo Ma Non Tanto
12. III. Allegro

Tracks:

1. Rhapsody No. 2 (Lassu [Moderato] - Friss [Allegro Moderato])
2. I. Allegro Non Troppo
3. II. Andante Tranquillo
4. III. Allegro Molto
5. I. Andante
6. I. Allegretto (Scherzando)
7. II. Allegro
8. II. Adagio

Tracks:

1. Romance No. 1 In G Major
2. I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
3. II. Larghetto
4. III. Rondo (Allegro) (Cadenza: Kreisler)
5. I. Allegro Moderato
6. II. Adagio
7. III. Finale (Allegro Energico)

Tracks:

1. Romance No. 2 In F Major, Op. 50
2. I. Allegro Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
3. II. Adagio
4. III. Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Vivace - Poco Piu Presto
5. I. Allegro Molto Appassionato
6. II. Andante
7. III. Allegretto Non Troppo - Allegro Molto Vivace

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro
2. II. Andante
3. III. Allegro Molto
4. I. Andante Tranquillo
5. II. Presto Capriccioso Alla Napolitana & Trio (Canzonetta)
6. III. Vivace

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro Moderato (Cadenza: Menuhin)
2. II. Adagio Molto
3. III. Finale (Presto) (Cadenza: Menuhin)
4. I. Allegro
5. II. Andante Cantabile
6. III. Rondo (Andante Grazioso - Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
7. I. Allegro Maestoso
8. II. Andante
9. III. Presto

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro Non Troppo
2. II. Scherzando (Allegro Molto)
3. III. Intermezzo (Allegretto Non Troppo)
4. IV. Andante
5. V. Rondo (Allegro)
6. I. Allegro Non Troppo
7. II. Andantino Quasi Allegretto
8. III. Molto Moderato E Maestoso - Allegro Non Troppo
9. Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
10. Havanaise, Op. 83

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro Maestoso (Cadenza: Emile Sauret)
2. II. Adagio Espressivo
3. III. Rondo (Allegro Spiritoso)
4. I. Andante - Moderato - Cadenza
5. II. Adagio Religioso
6. III. Scherzo (Vivace) & Trio
7. IV. Finale (Allegro)
8. I. Allegro Non Troppo
9. II. Cadenza
10. III. Adagio
11. IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

1. Serenade Melancolique
2. I. Allegro Moderato
3. II. Adagio Di Molto
4. III. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
5. I. Praeludium (Largo)
6. I. Allegro Cavalleresco
7. II. Intermezzo (Poco Adagio)
8. II. Rondo (Allegretto Scherzando)

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro
2. II. Largo
3. III. Allegro
4. I. Allegro Non Molto
5. II. Adagio
6. III. Presto
7. I. Allegro
8. II. Adagio
9. III. Allegro
10. I. Allegro Non Molto
11. II. Largo
12. III. Allegro
13. I. Vivace - Allegro - Adagio - Vivace - Allegro - Largo Andante
14. II. Allegro
15. III. Grave - Andante Largo - Allegro
16. Fantasia Concertante On A Theme Of Corelli

Customer Reviews:

Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations.......2004-01-06

The recent trend toward classical box sets focusing on the performer instead of the composer (see my reviews of the various DG/Decca "Original Masters" sets) continues with EMI's new "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist." Sure EMI's past sets have showcased individual performances by Samson Francois, Eugen Jochum and Rudolf Kempe to name a few, but it was always under the heading of a given composer's works, and in the cases mentioned above, to Chopin's piano pieces, Bruckner's Symphonies and Strauss' Orchestral Works respectively. Therefore, this Menuhin collection is the first of EMI's "Budget Box Sets" to showcase a performer playing the works of a variety of composers.

As Menuhin was an EMI recording artist for an incredible 68 years (1931-99), his performances for the label number in the hundreds. With so much music from which to choose, this 10-disc set aims "to highlight some of those alternative versions, including recordings that have not been easily available since the days of LP and others that have never previously appeared on CD." Therefore, the obvious mainstream, easily attainable recordings are omitted here -- for example, the Beethoven/Mendelssohn VCs with Furtwangler, the Elgar VC with the composer conducting, and the Bruch/Mendelssohn VCs with Susskind and Kurtz.

However, a lot of this material has been on disc before on titles which the serious collector most likely already owns. Most of the Bach is currently available as part of the Bach "Budget Box Series" title. The Bruch, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Vivaldi VCs were all available in the now out-of-print 2CD EMI Seraphim series. The Elgar and the Walton are still available in the "British Composers" series. And perhaps most annoyingly, the previously unpublished Beethoven VC and Tchaikovsky "Serenade melancolique" (available as a single disc), and the Beethoven Romance No. 2 (available on an EMI Encore title) were both reissued just a few months back.

But let's focus on the positive, which are the other rare performances, the most significant being the never before reissued 1954 performance of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4 with John Pritchard and the Philharmonia. Other elusive recordings include Viuextemps and Paganini VCs with Fistoulari, Lalo and Saint-Saens works with Goossens, and excellent Berg and Bartok accounts with Boulez. Though I'm delighted at their inclusion, of lesser importance is a 1965 Bartok VC No. 2 with Dorati -- his mono EMI with Furtwangler and an earlier account with Dorati on Mercury Living Presence are far superior. Also, neither the Sibelius (Boult, 1955) nor Nielsen (Woldike, 1952) Concertos are truly Menuhin's cups of tea.

My last complaint has to do with the packaging. I know I'm being rather trite but it seems that EMI has taken the "slim" out of slim, paper-sleeved box sets with their latest batch of releases. Both this title and the new box of Liszt Orchestral Works by Masur are noticeably thicker than previous EMI sets featuring a similar number of discs. A minor point, but us serious classical collectors need every centimeter of space on our increasingly crowded CD shelves, not to mention the amount of wasted packaging.

Overall though, despite the fact that "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist" is not as essential a reissue as its counterparts in the "Original Masters" series, it is a delightful set that most collectors will thoroughly enjoy.

Average customer rating: Genius on the wrong track... again Ma;ybe Not the Right Guy for the Job Fiddled-with Mozart, mostly slow and recessive

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 2 & 4; Sinfonia concertante Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia Concertante | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (Hybr) Chopin: Sonata No. 2; 4 Scherzos Mozart Piano Trios Handel: Concerti Grossi, Op. 3; Sonata a 5 Carl Nielsen, Orchestral Music ASIN: B000KC82MG Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro Maestoso
2. II. Andante
3. III. Presto
4. I. Allegro
5. II. Andante Cantabile
6. III. Rondeau: Andante Grazioso - Allegro Non Troppo
7. I. Allegro Moderato
8. II. Andante
9. III. Rondeau: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Genius on the wrong track... again.......2007-07-22

A true enigma, Vengerov. In person one of the most extraordinary fiddlers I've heard. Yet, his recordings have been variable at best. For every Shostakovich/Prokofiev 1 (with Rostropovich, surprise!), there's a substandard Sibelius/Nielsen (with Barenboim, no surprise). For every delightful "Vengerov with Virtuosi" from 2001, there's, well, this misbegotten Mozart programme. From the lugubrious opening bars of the Sinfonia Concertante to the two concerti, this is terrible stuff - boring and unMozartian. What should be clear by now is Vengerov is more dependent than most on the musical opinions of his collaborators. When his is the primary musical intellect, you're likely to end up with something that sounds no way like the work of a great artist.... something like this.

Ma;ybe Not the Right Guy for the Job.......2007-05-12

No question Vengerov is a superb virtuoso violinist, but his interpretations of Mozart's lovely concertos seem to find him ill at ease or at least uncertain about how to proceed with the material. He just never seems to get quite comfortable, as is evident in the slow movements where his playing of the beautiful melodies never come close to acquiring the required sense of grace and elegance that they should possess. For a performer who so magically mastered the complexities of Shostakovich and Prokofiev, Vengerov has yet to resolve a set of very different challenges in Mozart's far less technically demanding concertos. Great sounding CD, though.

Fiddled-with Mozart, mostly slow and recessive.......2007-04-15

I'm rarely startled by the opening bars of a performance as much as when Vengerov begins the great Mozart Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat K. 364. Not only is the tempo quite measured, but there is a strong accented push on the thrid chord, a touch not heard in other readings. One also notes the period-flavor violin tone with its minimal vibrato. A few bars later we get more quirky accents from the oboes, so it's apparent that Vengerov has something new to say. Subduing his vvirtuosity completely, his first entry is understated, almost recessive. Violist Lawrence Power follows his lead in a performance that can be called either thoughtful or lagging. There's little joy or excitement, a shock from the great Russian violinist, who serves as his own conductor, and a routine one at that. There are lots of personal touches throughout in terms of phrasing and accents, but since it's Vengerov who invented them and not Mozart, I found most of them jarring.

The coupling consists of two Mozart violin concertos, the second and fourth, played in the same understated style, the allegro finales being distinctly pale and joyless. One hears how refined Vengerov wants to be, and yet I never quite paid attention. The Verbier Festival Orch. is expert, and EMI's sound is fine. But in the end I felt that Vengerov was primarily palying for himself.

Average customer rating: Stern + Szell = Sensational!

Mozart: Violin concertos Nos. 1-5; Sinfonia concertante, K. 364; Concertone, K. 190 Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia Concertante | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Stern, Isaac | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mendelssohn, Dvorak: Violin Concertos Beethoven: Kreutzer Sonata; Franck: Sonata Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 50 Prokofiev & Shostakovich: Violin Concertos, No.2 Legend: David Oistrakh [CD & DVD] ASIN: B000002ATH Release Date: 1995-05-16

Tracks:

1. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 1 In B-Flat Major, K. 207: Allegro moderato
2. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 1 In B-Flat Major, K. 207: Adagio
3. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 1 In B-Flat Major, K. 207: Presto
4. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 2 In D Major, K. 211: Allegro moderato
5. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 2 In D Major, K. 211: Andante
6. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 2 In D Major, K. 211: Rondeau. Allegro
7. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 3 In G Major, K. 216: Allegro
8. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 3 In G Major, K. 216: Adagio
9. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 3 In G Major, K. 216: Rondeau. Allegro

Tracks:

1. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 4. In D Major, K. 218: Allegro
2. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 4. In D Major, K. 218: Andante cantabile
3. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 4. In D Major, K. 218: Rondeau. Andante grazioso
4. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 5 in A major, K. 219: Allegro aperto
5. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 5 in A major, K. 219: Adagio
6. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 5 in A major, K. 219: Rondeau. Tempo di menuetto
7. Adagio For Violin And Orchestra In E Major, K. 261
8. Rondo For Violin And Orchestra In C Major, K. 373

Tracks:

1. Concertone For 2 Violins And Orchestra In C Major, K. 190: Allegro spiritoso
2. Concertone For 2 Violins And Orchestra In C Major, K. 190: Andantino grazioso
3. Concertone For 2 Violins And Orchestra In C Major, K. 190: Tempo di menuetto. Vivace
4. Sinfonia Concertante For Violin, Viola And Orchestra In E-Flat Major, K. 364: Allegro maestoso
5. Sinfonia Concertante For Violin, Viola And Orchestra In E-Flat Major, K. 364: Andante
6. Sinfonia Concertante For Violin, Viola And Orchestra In E-Flat Major, K. 364: Presto

Customer Reviews:

Stern + Szell = Sensational!.......2003-09-23

Volume 3 of violinist Isaac Stern's "A Life in Music" series is (appropriately) a three-disc set featuring Mozart's five Violin Concertos, and other orchestral works for the instrument. This collection was originally issued in Sony's "Mozart - Legendary Interpretations" series and fortunately it has been reissued here. (Note to Sony - follow suit and reissue the rest of Szell's Symphonies and Ormandy's Wind Concertos!) As indicated above, three different men -- George Szell, Alexander Schneider and Daniel Barenboim -- conduct the works on this disc. The Szell performances date from the early 1960s -- Concertos Nos. 1 & 3 are from January 1961 while No. 5 is from April 1963. The Barenboim recordings are from 1971 (Sinfonia Concertante K364) and 1973 (Concertone K190). Finally, the Schneider accounts -- Concertos Nos. 2 & 4, Adagio K261 and Rondo K373 -- are all from February 1976. All are in stereo. It is my opinion that these performances, particularly those with Szell, are the best available, and the only other set comparable is the Grumiaux/Davis on Philips (see my review). Of course, if you don't want to buy 3 CDs worth of Mozart Violin works, you can always buy the Sony "Great Performances" title featuring the very same recordings of Concertos Nos. 4 & 5.

Average customer rating: Four stars for Frank's delightful playing

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 1-5; Haffner Serenade Manufacturer: Arte Nova Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Violin Concerto; Violin Romances Beethoven: Missa Solemnis Robert Schumann: Symphonies Nos. 1-4 Beethoven: The Nine Symphonies Beethoven: Piano Concertos 3 & 4 ASIN: B0009ML2LK Release Date: 2005-06-14

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro Moderato
2. II. Adagio
3. III. Presto
4. I. Allegro Moderato
5. II. Andante
6. III. Rondeau: Allegro
7. I. Allegro
8. II. Adagio
9. III. Rondeau: Allegro

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro
2. II. Andante Cantabile
3. III. Rondeau: Andante Grazioso
4. I. Allegro Aperto
5. II. Adagio
6. III. Rondeau: Tempo Di Menuetto
7. II. Andante
8. III. Menuetto
9. IV. Rondeau

Album Description

"What a good idea to include the violin concerto movements from the Haffner Serenade as a filler, rather than the more usual group of extra movements for violin and orchestra. The Serenade shows the 20-year-old Mozart with his imagination at full stretch; Frank, Zinman and the Zurich orchestra revel in the wit, the sensuous expressiveness and the melodic fecundity of this still neglected music. Pamela Frank gives us, here and throughout the two discs, violin playing of great technical purity...The music speaks to us, naturally and without any affectation, yet respecting Mozart's indications, and such 18th-century conventions as tailing off the weak beats of the bar. She's given a splendidly positive, well-considered accompaniment...Frank's tone and bowing are more traditional but she has an equally strong ability to bring the music to life, and she's supported by an unusually characterful orchestra and very crisp, clear recording. A very strong recommendation, then - it's a fantastic bargain."-GRAMOPHONE (April 2000)

Customer Reviews:

Four stars for Frank's delightful playing.......2007-02-05

A lot of critics liked this set when it came out. Amazon chose the review by one of them to accompany its space here. Gramophone may have recommended this based on inclusion of the Haffner serenade excerpts but it would have been a better bargain had the entire serenade been included and not just a couple bleeding chunks.

Otherwise, this is a fine embodiment of Pamela Frank's playing -- straightforward, stylistic, dimensional, warm and consistent -- in Mozart's five youthful concertos. She plays delightfully throughout and is the reason to buy this set, which offers the entire ouevre of Mozart's work in solo violin concerti at a discount price. Zinman restricts his desire to push speeds beyond the boundaries of good taste and offers good support for the soloist throughout the cycle. His orchestra plays well with a few spotlit solo instruments.

Still, I wouldn't call this the greatest work I've ever heard in this repertoire, even among discount versions. The archtype set of concertos with Grumiaux playing and Davis conducting is available for about the same price. You can get two CDs of concerti plus some other stuff played by Zukerman for about the same price if you're willing to put up with scrappy support. It's worth it insofar as Zukerman is twice the fiddler.

If you just want the better concertos, an excellent cheapie CD of Concerti 3-5 features Christian Tetzlaff playing and conducting the German Chamber Orchestra on a discount Virgin CD that was taken from the entire set for those forces. The best account I know of the Haffner serenade is by Karl Munchinger and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. It's available through Haydn House for $10.

Average customer rating: Mozart, the way it should be A Treat Impressive... Outstanding phrasing, tone, and candenza on #5 "Turkish"

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 2, 3, 5 Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Repin, Vadim | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Lalo / Chausson / Ravel: SYMPHONIE ESPAGNOLE / POEME / Tzigane ASIN: B000006Q26 Release Date: 1998-06-16

Tracks:

1. Violin Concerto No.3: Allegro
2. Violin Concerto No.3: Adagio
3. Violin Concerto No.3: Rondeau (Allegro)
4. Violin Concerto No.2: Allegro moderato
5. Violin Concerto No.2: Andante
6. Violin Concerto No.2: Rondeau (Allegro)
7. Violin Concerto No.5, In A Major: Allegro aperto
8. Violin Concerto No.5, In A Major: Adagio
9. Violin Concerto No.5, In A Major: Rondeau (Tempo di Menuetto)

Amazon.com

Repin has been making waves in Russia since his first recording at age 12. Now in his 20s, he is a sweet-toned violinist with a lyric disposition and an excellent sense of Mozartean style. He's also sensible enough to record only the Mozart Violin Concertos he feels closest to; hence the disappointment of no No. 4 on this disc, but three truly excellent performances on a very high level of musical comprehension. Menuhin provides not only the approval of an earlier generation but also very well-judged collaboration with outstanding clarity and audibility of the important lines. This first-rate disc lacks attributions for the unusual cadenzas in the Third Concerto (Repin's?) but nothing else. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Mozart, the way it should be.......2006-05-02

Although Mozart is being played a lot, it is rare to hear a meaningful interpretation. But here is your opportunity! Continuing Josef Hassid's traditions, violinist Vadim Repin gets to the heart of Mozart's music - its luminous simplicity and childlike nature. Repin's playing is direct and to the point, delicate and tasteful. There is never such thing as "too much". His emotions are genuine and never caricature, his violin speaks and there isn't a single note or intonation that is empty. The orchestra under Mehuhin's conducting is a perfect sensitive companion, playing with graceful lightness and transparency. This CD is a pure pleasure to listen!

A Treat.......2003-01-02

Overall I'm very happy with this disc! I was looking for something with #2 on it, digital quality, and new talent -- this disc was the choice. I used to have Yehudi Menuhin's recording of #3 and #5 with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra from the Mozart Festival ... and was happy to find this disk where he conducts. A very fine recording of the three concertos. BUT! A few nitpicks (I am a violinist). #3 starts the disc and is "all good." Repin glides through it and does some virtuoso fiddling especially in the third movement in the "march" section. #2 is the one I was really wanting to hear, having never had a recording of it and having just finished learning it myself. Happy to say I got all the notes right: but I think Menuhin speeds through the first movement. This seems to be a fault of many CD recordings these days: no time for proper phrasing! Also, Repin's cadenza at the end of the first movement is too long and too strident. Otherwise Repin's cadenzas are all perfect. I must say also that Menuhin's tempo choices on the second movements of all three concertos are perfection. The B-section of the third movement (of #2) is a beautiful Mozartian development which Repin does not quite come through on. He plays fine, but he missed some delicacy that is quintessential Mozart. If it were a few clicks slower... Concerto #5 is excellent. Another reviewer mentioned not being "convinced" about the slow movement: I thought it fine. The only nitpick is the flutes that come in late on the haunting violin intro of the first movement! I would have stopped everything right there and started over -- but apparently Menuhin decided to let it ride. The other thing I kept thinking all through #5 was how great Sophie Mutter would be playing it! (I must put her recording of #5 on my wishlist!) The Wiener Orchestra is beautifully in tune with Repin: another thing that's not always guaranteed these days. A great disc overall. Recommended.

Impressive..........2000-11-17

Very good recording overall. The tempos are well-judged, the playing is natural and enthusiastic, and Repin's tone (on the Ruby Stradivari violin) is beautiful. As far as the cadenzas, I love them, though some may find them just a little too virtuoso/Paganini-like for these concertos. Repin and Menhuin have good chemistry together. The turkish sections in the Fifth are very well done, and the orchestral accompaniment is appropriately chamber sized and enthusiastic. The warm natural digital sound is fantastic with details shining through in every bar and Repin's gorgeous tone and phrasing a real pleasure. I am giving four stars because in the middle of the slow movement for the fifth concerto, there is a passage in which I felt like the wind section of the Vienna Chamber orchestra didn't play right. I am not entirely convinced by the slow movement of the Fifth in this CD. Overall a great recording though. I bought this CD instead of Perlman/Levine because the woodwinds in Levine's recording don't shine through enough. Here though the balance between winds and strings is perfect and Menhuin has a good grasp of the concertos. Whatever you do, don't miss the other Mozart violin concertos and the rondo and adagio for violin and orchestra and the lovely Sinfonia Concertante for violin, viola, and orchestra. The Grumiaux recordings (on the Philips label) set the standard by which later recordings are judged. There is also a new set on Arte Nova (conducted by David Zinman) that I haven't heard. And while you're at it, there is a beautiful viola concerto by Vanhal, a contemporary of Mozart's that is worthy of being in your collection too.

Outstanding phrasing, tone, and candenza on #5 "Turkish".......1999-05-14

I'm a long-term fan of Perlman, and so my loves are for phrasing that "tells a story," every note is part of a sentence, and tone is beautiful. I find all these in this recording. The only thing I was missing, due to the period in which it was written, was double-stopping, and BINGO, his candenza in #5, the only one I heard--on the radio--fills that need beautifully!

Average customer rating:

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 Manufacturer: Virgin Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Tetzlaff, Christian | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mozart: Violin Concertos 3, 4 & 5 Beethoven: Violin Concerto; Violin Romances ASIN: B000FIHZJQ Release Date: 2007-02-20

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro Moderato
2. II. Adagio
3. III. Presto
4. I. Allegro Moderato
5. II. Andante
6. III. Rondeau: Allegro
7. Rondo For Violin & Orchestra In C Major K.373 5.31
8. Adagio For Violin And & Orchestra In E Major K. 261 6.09
9. Rondo For Violin & Orchestra In B Flat Major K.269 7.38

Average customer rating: Fine music Mozart Sinfonia Concertante at its best! Pure disapointment ! Best performance of Mozart's Symphonia Concertante

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 - 5; Sinfonia Concertante Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia Concertante | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 4 & 5; Rondo concertante; Rondo; Adagio Mozart: 5 Violin Concertos Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77 Mozart: Violin Concertos Bach: Violin Concertos ASIN: B000000UVA Release Date: 2005-07-13

Tracks:

1. Violin Concerto No. 1 In B Flat, K. 207: Allegro Moderato
2. Violin Concerto No. 1 In B Flat, K. 207: Adagio
3. Violin Concerto No. 1 In B Flat, K. 207: Presto (Candenzas By Menuhin)
4. Violin Concerto No. 3 In G, K. 216: Allegro (Cadenza By Franko)
5. Violin Concerto No. 3 In G, K. 216: Adagio (Cadenza By Franko)
6. Violin Concerto No. 3 In G, K. 216: Rondo (Allegro - Andante - Allegretto)
7. Violin Concerto No. 5 In A, K. 219 'Turkish': Allegro Aperto
8. Violin Concerto No. 5 In A, K. 219 'Turkish': Adagio
9. Violin Concerto No. 5 In A, K. 219 'Turkish': Tempo Di Menuetto - Allegro (Cadenzas By Menuhin)

Tracks:

1. Violin Concerto No. 2 In D, K.211: Allegro Moderato
2. Violin Concerto No. 2 In D, K.211: Andante
3. Violin Concerto No. 2 In D, K.211: Rondeau (Allegro) (Cadenzas By Menuhin)
4. Violin Concerto No. 4 In D, K. 218: Allegro
5. Violin Concerto No. 4 In D, K. 218: Andante Cantabile
6. Violin Concerto No. 4 In D, K. 218: Rondeau (Andante Grazioso - Allegro Ma Non Troppo) (Cadenzas By Menuhin)
7. Sinfonia Concertante In E Flat, K. 364: Allegro Maestoso
8. Sinfonia Concertante In E Flat, K. 364: Andante
9. Sinfonia Concertante In E Flat, K. 364: Presto

Customer Reviews:

Fine music.......2006-03-11

There is no need to talk about this product. Just buy and enjoy. Superb performance. Although the recording is ADD, it sounds like DDD. I do recommend it to all Mozart fans.

Mozart.......2005-10-07

I originally bought this for my college age daughter for her music class. The sound quality is great and the selection of pieces gives a good sense of Mozart.

Sinfonia Concertante at its best!.......2001-10-20

Yes, I have to agree with the reviewer who praised this CD for its Sinfonia Concertante. The only other comparable recording that I've ever heard is Oistrakh/Barshai performance, that I could find, unfortunately, only on an old LP by Melodya.

Pure disapointment !.......2001-02-03

The performance is may be O.K. but the sound quality is so bad that listening to this CD is a pain. The price is tempting, but believe me it's not worth it. Buy instead the performance by Mutter.

Best performance of Mozart's Symphonia Concertante.......2000-08-04

This CD, recorded in the early 1960-ies is a real treasure. Beside Menuhin's superb performance, it has something really unique - Barshai's Viola playing that is the greatest viola playing that I have ever heard! His rare recording truly makes this CD one of the best releases of Mozart's music, especially Symphonia Concertante.

Average customer rating: The "4Ms" Make Magnificent Music

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 4; Adagio in E Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Mutter, Anne-Sophie | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mozart: Violin Concertos 3 & 5 / Mutter, Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Mozart: The Violin Concertos; Sinfonia Concertante Great Violin Concertos Sur Le Meme Accord/Violin Concerto 2/Violin Concerto Bach: Violin Concertos in A major, D minor & A minor; Mutter, Accardo ASIN: B0001HAHIC Release Date: 2004-03-23

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Moderato
2. II: Adagio
3. III: Presto
4. Adagio In E, K261
5. I: Allegro Moderato
6. II: Andante
7. III: Rondeau (Allegro)
8. I: Allegro
9. II: Andante Cantabile
10. III: Rondeau (Andante Grazioso - Allegro Ma Non Troppo)

Customer Reviews:

The "4Ms" Make Magnificent Music.......2004-05-07

EMI's latest reissue creation is the "Great Artists of the Century" series, and this title featuring violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter is one of the initial 25 offerings. This CD features Mozart Violin Concertos -- No. 1 (and the Adagio in E, K261) with Sir Neville Marriner conducting the ASMF from 1991, and Nos. 2 & 4 with Riccardo Muti leading the Philharmonia from 1981. All four of these selections have been previously available on CD, but since this series is seemingly aimed at the entry-level classical fan that shouldn't be a big problem. In fact, it makes a lot of sense to combine these works on one CD (instead of spread out over two in earlier incarnations) because this title, and the recordings she made of the 3rd & 5th Mozart VCs with von Karajan on DG, make a nice pair. While I still prefer accounts of all five Concertos by Stern and Grumiaux (see my reviews), I prefer Mutter's performances to those by Kremer, Menuhin and Zukerman (see my review of the latter). I find some of the titles in the "Great Artists of the Century" series to be less than satisfactory, but you can't go wrong with the "4Ms" (Mozart, Mutter, Marriner and Muti).

Music Review:

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2. Organ Works 4
3. Piano Music In America 1900-1945
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5. Prokofiev: The Concertos
6. R. Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier/Four Symphonic Interludes/Introduction And Moonlight Music/Salomes Tanz
7. Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2/Paganini Rhapsody
8. Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé/Boléro
9. Robert Schumann: Symphonies Nos. 1 - 4
10. Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Spanish Guitar Music by Granados, Albéniz, Sor, Falla [Box set]

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