Prokofiev: Violin Concertos No.1 & 2

On this CD:

1. Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 19
Composed by Sergey Prokofiev
Performed by Boris Belkin
Conducted by Michael Stern

2. Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 63
Composed by Sergey Prokofiev
Performed by Boris Belkin
Conducted by Michael Stern

Customer Reviews:

The young Fischer has a definite "wow" factor.......2007-03-11

Even a jaded listener would blink twice at this recording, which showcases the German violin prodigy Julia Fischer. She's quite a dynamic player, and although lightning-fingered virtuosos aren't that rare nowadays, Fischer also possesses real charisma. She exudes confidence in every bar, and besides her gorgeous tone, she has an uncanny ability to phrase for someone so young. In all three works here she's able to shift effortlessly from Khachaturian's brash, semi-kitschy Soviet fireworks to Prokofiev's lyrico-ironic modernism and finally Glazunov's plush-velvet sentimentality. Only the Prokofiev concerto comes close to being a masterpiece, but you'd never know that from Fischer's complete dedication to each one.

PentaTone's remarkably vivid sonics make a big impression--this company has been in the forefront of SACD sound for a while--bringing Fischer's violin to life quite remarkably. Even better is Yakov Kreizberg's conducting of the exuberant Russian National Orch. His style is extroverted, like Gergiev's, with unihibited Russian vitality. I'm on the verge of gushing, but how can one help it when confronted by such a brilliant all-around production?

THE FUTURE IS IN GOOD HANDS.......2007-01-03

The very young Violinist Julia Fischer demonstrates in this recording that (to me) the future for the performance of masterpieces of so-called classical music is very bright indeed. Julia gives very sensitive, virtuosic, and beautiful in tone performances of these Russian concertos for the violin. She is rhythmically astute in the Khachaturian concerto and very gorgeous in tone in the overtly romantic Galazunov concerto. Likewise, the Prokofiev's First Violin Concerto is given a finally nuanced performance with Yukov Kreizberg leading the Russian National Orchestra splendidly.

I heard Ms. Fischer in Aspen, Colorado in the summer of 2006 and was very impressed with her; this recording certainly confirms that most favorable impression.

If you want to hear some great violin playing, buy this disc.

By the way, the recorded sound is great-- very full and rich!

An Impressive Début Disc.......2006-07-26

Although this is not the young Julia Fischer's first recording, it is the first she has done in SACD format on the PentaTone label with whom she has signed as an exclusive artist. The CD came out in late 2004, if I'm not mistaken, and she has since released the Bach Partitas and Sonatas, and most recently a disc of Mozart Violin Concerti. I gave a rave to the latter here at Amazon. I had not heard this début disc until recently and was, I will admit, a little concerned that she might be too 'classical' a violinist to make the most of these mostly extrovert Russian concerti. I was wrong to have any hesitation; she plays them with verve, wit, style and plenty of extroversion where needed. But she also brings to them an inwardness -- particularly in the Prokofiev First, which certainly has a veil of mystery about it -- that makes them seem fresh.

In recent times the Khachaturian Concerto has to some extent fallen from favor. When I was a youth it was one of the big modern Russian concerti along with Prokofiev 2 and, late in the 1950s, the Shostakovich 1, and one heard it in concert with some regularity. Happily there has been a bit of a revival lately, in spite of the tendency of some critics and programmers to think it is rather lightweight and too much of a populist work. Whatever the drawbacks it might have, it is an extremely effective piece with plenty of Khachaturian's Armenian flavorings, lots of rhythmic interest and virtuosity galore. Fischer brings to it a musicianly concern for dynamic subtlety and nuanced phrasing along with complete mastery of the concerto's technical difficulties. She eschews the Oistrakh edition of the concerto -- he extended the first movement cadenza and cut some measures in the finale -- and uses Khachaturian's original version. This is a first-class performance of a wonderful concerto which is worth one's attention.

One cannot but adore Prokofiev's First Violin Concerto. And one cannot say enough about the masterful orchestration Prokofiev provides, with harp intertwined with violin harmonics and extraordinarily plangent woodwind writing. The Russian National Orchestra, a group formed not long after the breakup of the Soviet Union and the stirrings of a new freedom in Russia, is a marvelous group. Their conductor here is Yakov Kreizberg, incidentally the brother of the probably better-known conductor Semyon Bychkov, who is making a very favorable impression these days. I've heard a number of his recent recordings and am mightily impressed with his formally clear approach that is, ironically, coupled with a really poetic sensibility. Clarity and poetry make wonderful partners in his recordings. Both Kreizberg and Fischer show us the darker side of the Prokofiev and in the process present it as the lyrical yet fierce work it is.

Glazunov's concerto is a late Romantic work in one movement. It is notable for its heartfelt lyricism, gorgeous tunes, and the equality of the orchestral principals with the violin soloists. It is really more like a symphony with violin obbligato, particularly in the long and lovely andante middle section. That aspect of the work is emphasized here and one must give credit to Fischer and the recording engineers for allowing that to shine through. Fischer is more generous, even self-effacing, in this than some soloists in other recordings the concerto has had (Perlman, Heifetz) and this is to the benefit of the work's effect. (A comparable concerto, to give you some idea of what I mean, is Brahms's Second Piano Concerto where the piano is not always the spotlighted star.) This is a genial reading with Fischer's burnished tone riding above and around the contributions by the orchestra. The folksong aspects of the finale are emphasized and one is left with a kind of uplift that makes one want to start the concerto all over again.

This is, make no mistake, a marvelous disc and I cannot recommend it highly enough. In addition, all three concerti are given strikingly lifelike sound.

Scott Morrison

Quality Classical Music Listening.......2006-04-08

I am not an expert in classical music but I do enjoy listening to good classical music. This recording of Russian Violin Concertos is one that I have enjoyed listening too many times. I would not hesitate recommending it to anyone who enjoys classical music that highlights the romantic violin.

3 Russian Violin Ctos - Verve, Lilt, Dash, & Elegance.......2005-07-15

Julia Fischer is a violinist whose name is news to me, but then, What good news she is. Like the young Anne Sophie Mutter, she appears to have sprung whole from the head of Jove. She plays with a simply huge command of her instrument, and she grasps the music in both local nuances and larger paragraphs. Her intonation and fingerwork and bowing are well nigh faultless, so far as I can hear. She has a sort of wicked ease that actually might remind an older listener of the late, great Heifitz. He used to tell his student violinists to warm up by playing fingered octaves, which is rather like telling people to start just where most others are leaving off in happy achievement.

Nowhere are these capabilities put to better use than in her resuscitation of the much hackeneyed Khachaturian concerto, which she has the gruff to play as her opening. She obviously loves playing it, and has such a good time that it is quite easy to forget all the kitsch renderings you may have heard over the years. The RNO under Yakov Kreizberg (who is also a rising star among conductors now active in Europe) keep up with Julia all the way. Somehow all the flash just sounds scintillating, and the orientalisms just sound atmospheric and colorful. You think in some beautiful spots that Khachaturian knew what he was doing, after all.

Then Julia and company move on to the Prokofiev first violin concerto, and make deft, stunning magic of it, too. Again she and the conductor and the orchestra demonstrate remarkable unanimity of musical purpose. And, they have a good time with the Prokofiev, shattering our stuffy stereotypes that genius in classical western music is always tendentious, fat, and dressed in over-starched shirts with very stiff collars.

Thirdly, we get the Glazunov concerto. This, too, benefits from a completely fresh and straightforward reading, rooted in the players love of the music. Julia realizes the more brilliant moments of the Glazunov without forgetting that its heartfelt pusle is mainly lyrical, and her lyrical is so lithe and athletic that you don't feel for once that Glazunov was tempted to outstay the melodic welcomes embodied in his main themes.

The SACD surround sound is equally wonderful. It completely serves the music and the musicians, without calling attention to itself. You simply get a good, multichannel sense of everybody, including Julia, the super RNO as a whole body and as an unnervingly talented nexus of virtuosos, and of course, of conductor Kreizberg. The hall acoustic adds air and resonance, which is quite an accomplishment considering that we are talking about a recording studio and not one of the historic Moscovite venues like Tchaikovsky Hall at the conservatory.

If you like superior violin playing that is above all musical, with an orchestra and conductor that can keep up with such a soloist; then this disc will do fine. Five stars, fading into sunrise pinks and whites and blues. Where did the slow night go? Oh, well, play that SACD again, will you?

PS. Keep your ears and eyes on the lookout. Julia Fischer is now an exclusive Pentatone artist, and Yakov Kreizberg, maybe, too.

Average customer rating:

Solid performance and great value
Great collection and great value
No brainer -- buy it!

Prokofiev: Complete Concertos
Sergey Prokofiev , Vladimir Ashkenazy , Joshua Bell , Lynn Harrell , Andre Previn , Charles Dutoit , and London Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000076GYI
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Customer Reviews:

Solid performance and great value.......2007-02-15

This set contains almost all Prokofiev's concertos. Contrary to what is advertised as "Complete Concertos", it omits Prokofiev's early work "Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 58". Although a large amount of thematic material is reused in the later piece "Sinfonia Concertante for cello & orchestra in E minor, Op. 125", there are really substantial differences. (Traditionally, when a set is advertised as "complete", it will contains at least all works with Opus numbers.) But really, Op. 58 is not performed in the concert halls these days. (At least, none that I am aware of.) If you are really interested in comparing these 2 works, you may consult, e.g. Chandos recording "The Unknown Prokofiev".

I like the performances here. For each individual piece, there are performances closer to my heart. For example, Richter's Piano Concerto in G and Argerich's Piano Concerto in C., Heifetz's Violin Concerto in g minor, besides those mentioned in other 2 reviews. (By the way, Rostropovich's Sinfonia Concertante is now available in DVD from EMI Classic Archive 15.) However, if you are looking for solid performances at an affordable price, hesitate no more! This set is for you.

Highly recommended.

Great collection and great value.......2006-10-09

This 3-CD set includes all of Prokofiev's concertos in one place. The best part is that it includes Ashkenzy and Previn's perfomances of the piano concertos- generally considered the best on recording.

Bell's perfomance of the violin concertos and quite good, maybe not the best, but Lynn Harell's cello renditions are excellent.

Highly recommended.

No brainer -- buy it!.......2004-08-22

This is a great and inexpensive introduction to the concerti of Sergei Prokofiev. And there's not a boring piece--or performance--in the box. I'm generally not a big Ashkenazy fan these days, but many of his earlier recordings were often very fine, and these are among them. His direct, declamatory way of played works to the advantage of the music here as well. He seizes these works by the horns, and the results are spectacular. Previn and the LSO never sounded better--for those who are familiar mostly with the later Previn, somewhat burned out and sluggishly leading the RPO or LAPO, these recordings will be a revelation. From the mechanical workings of No. 1 to the agitated fury of No. 2 to the quicksilver lithe of No. 3 to the enigma that is No. 5, these are great performances that manage to hit the mark while being very middle-of-the-road. (I don't mean middle-of-the-road in a negative way.) You'll notice I didn't mention No. 4, which has never really worked for me. As far as left-hand concertos go, listen to Ravel's.

The violin concerto is very fine, but it won't displace either Oisktrakh (a tall order, I admit) or, believe it or not, Perlman, with Rozhdestvensky and the BBC Symphony. The two cello concerti are tremendously exciting compositions that deserve to be played a lot more often than they are. Written for Rostrapovich, they are given credible readings by Harrell here, though I wish Rosty's performances were available (other than Op. 132 in an expensive 13-CD box) to show you you're *really* supposed to burn up these works. There aren't a whole lot of other performances of either of them, so you'll have to settle for these.

Prokofiev: Violin Concertos 1 & 2; Sonata for Solo Violin

Average customer rating:

Excellent recording by a contemporary violinists
Strongly Recommended, But Is It Definitive?
Recommended, but not a first choice
beautiful
I love this cd!

Prokofiev: Violin Concertos 1 & 2; Sonata for Solo Violin

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Vivaldi: The Four Seasons/Fritz Kreisler: Concerto for Violin

ASIN: B000001GRF
Release Date: 1996-04-09

Tracks:

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No.1 In D Major, Op.19: 1. Andantino - Andante assai
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No.1 In D Major, Op.19: 2. Scherzo: Vivacissimo
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No.1 In D Major, Op.19: 3. Moderato - Allegro moderato - Moderato - Piu tranquillo
Concerto for Violin And Orchestra No.2 In G Minor, Op.63: 1. Allegro moderato
Concerto for Violin And Orchestra No.2 In G Minor, Op.63: 2. Andante assai - Allegretto - Andante assai
Concerto for Violin And Orchestra No.2 In G Minor, Op.63: 3. Allegro, ben marcato
Sonata For Solo Violin In D Major, Op.115: 1. Moderato
Sonata For Solo Violin In D Major, Op.115: 2. Tema: Andante dolce - Var. I - Var. II: Scherzando - Var. III: Andante - Var. IV - Var. V
Sonata For Solo Violin In D Major, Op.115: 3. Con brio - Allegro precipitato - Tempo I - Allegro precipitato

Customer Reviews:

Excellent recording by a contemporary violinists.......2004-06-25

Although I personally dislike discussions on whether one recording is definitive or not, this question is an apt one in this case. Would this CD be on my desert-island-pack (where I can only have 5... hmm... alright ten CD's)? Well, it would be in the running for these concertos in terms of a contemporary rendition, but I would still have to opt for the usual suspects (Oistrakh, Milstein, Szigeti, etc...).
This brings us to another aspect of Mr. Shaham's playing: Although it is beautiful and technically impeccable fiddling, his playing does not have the distinctive mark that violinists of the past did. It is unfair to single out Mr. Shaham with this accusation, as it can be leveled at almost any violinist alive, but since Gil Shaham is considered the scion of violinists these days, I suppose more is expected of him. What it boils down to is that I will always go to his recordings if I want technically perfect, if occasionally soulfully devoid playing, such that I can form my own opinions of the piece without being burdened by too personal an intepretation.
Nonetheless, this CD rates 5 stars for its clarity, beauty, and the inclusion of the oft-maligned Solo Sonata.

Strongly Recommended, But Is It Definitive?.......2002-03-07

Without question, Gil Shaham is one of our finest young violinists. Here he plays with his usual lyrical sweetness and splendid technical skill. Yet I concur with a previous reviewer that the finest recent recording of Prokofiev's 1st violin concerto is Maxim Vengerov's, since he demonstrates far more passion than Shaham (Vengerov's performance of the 2nd violin concerto is almost as fine.). Unfortunately, both performances are on two separate Teldec recordings with Rostropovich conducting the London Symphony Orchestra, so Shaham's interpretations might be preferable to those interested in getting both concerti on one CD. Speaking of conducting, Previn shows he is an admirable accompanist to Shaham, and is as astute interpreter of Prokofiev's music as Rostropovich. The sound quality is absolutely superb; it's slightly better than the Vengerov/Rostropovich Teldec CDs.

Recommended, but not a first choice.......2001-01-07

Shaham brings his customary good-natured, sweet-voiced interpretations to the two violin concertos of Prokofiev. He is technically impeccable (though there are a few, like Dmitri Sitkovetsky, who are able to bring even greater clarity to the passagework), and musically astute. Those for whom Shaham is a first choice in violinists, and are seeking a recording of these concertos, can purchase this CD without second thoughts. However, for others, this CD should not be a first choice in this repertoire, unless one has their heart set on buying this specific repertoire on a single disc.

The first concerto, alternatively lyrical and demonic, is probably best served on modern recordings by Maxim Vengerov, who also has the advantage of superb accompaniment at the hands of Rostropovich; Vengerov brings fire and passion to the concerto, at the expense of some clarity. Cho-Liang Lin and D. Sitkovetsky, both (like Shaham) former Dorothy Delay pupils, interpret this concerto in a way quite similar to Shaham's, and are also reasonable alternatives (Sitkovetsky's in particular for its sterling clarity and super-budget price). However, there are three very fine historical recordings that trump the modern ones.

One is Nathan Milstein's studio recording (there's also a broadcast recording, interpretively quite similar, but the performance is marred by some noticeable moments of the soloist being lagged by the orchestra); Milstein brings his usual grace and sense of classical proportion to the work, in a recording which is probably a first choice. Another is David Oistrakh's recording; Oistrakh was a champion of this concerto, and he plays what is probably the most identifiably "Russian" interpretation. The final recording is Joseph Szigeti's, interpretively quite distinct from anything else on record and well worth listening to.

In the second concerto, the competition is stiffer -- most of the major violinists of the 20th century recorded this work. Milstein must be mentioned again. Heifetz, too, brings his considerable virtuosity to this concerto (he did not, unfortunately, record the first). Shaham's lyrical playing serves him particularly well in the second movement of this concerto, though.

The inclusion of the solo sonata is a nice bonus, but probably shouldn't influence your purchasing decision much.

beautiful.......2000-04-26

Prokofiev's violin concertos are among the greatest and most immediately likeable pieces of music written this century. This is by far the best recording I have heard of them. The sound is beautiful and Gil Shaham achieves a remarkable degree of emotional clarity. He obviously truly understands and loves these pieces. Tears are brought to my eyes every time I hear this CD.

I love this cd!.......1999-12-19

The lyricism and power of these pieces are very well comunicated by Shaham. The sound is very focussed and musical. This is one of my all time favorite recordings and I recommend it to anyone!

Prokofiev, Shostakovich: Violin Concertos no 1 / Rostropovich, Vengerov

Average customer rating:

New favorite recording of Shostakovich
Excellent playing, stunning engineering
Just...beautiful
old cowgirl
The Perfect Marriage of Composers, Soloist, and Conductor

Prokofiev, Shostakovich: Violin Concertos no 1 / Rostropovich, Vengerov

Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Prokofiev & Shostakovich: Violin Concertos, No.2
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Shostakovich: The String Quartets

ASIN: B000000SLM
Release Date: 1994-11-08

Tracks:

Violin Concerto No. 1 In D Major, Op. 19: Andantino
Violin Concerto No. 1 In D Major, Op. 19: Scherzo: Vivacissimo
Violin Concerto No. 1 In D Major, Op. 19: Moderato
Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: Nocturne: Moderato
Violin Concerto in A minor: Scherzo: Allegro
Violin Concerto in A minor: Passacaglia: Andante
Violin Concerto: Burlesque: Allegro con brio

Amazon.com essential recording

With his brilliant tone, flawlessly centered intonation, jaw-dropping technique, and exquisitely beautiful phrasing, Maxim Vengerov is ideal in this repertory. His sparkling account of the Prokofiev conveys the music's mercurial shifts of color and mood with great élan, and turns wonderfully evocative in the ethereal pages. The interpretation of the Shostakovich is equally fine--strongly characterized and imaginative, haunting in its beauty. The young soloist is ably partnered by Mstislav Rostropovich, who draws some remarkably fine and suggestive playing out of an alert London Symphony Orchestra, and makes a convincing whole out of each score. Teldec's engineers take advantage of the Abbey Road venue to deliver a recording that, while predictably balanced in favor of the soloist, is detailed and nicely atmospheric. This disc won Gramophone magazine's Record of the Year award in 1995, and it comes impressively close to capturing the kind of electricity Vengerov generates onstage. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

New favorite recording of Shostakovich.......2007-06-22

I had not heard more than a few of Vengerov's performances and master classes (on YouTube) prior to hearing this disc - he is a remarkable individual and a thinking musician, and this recording of the Prokofiev 1 and Shostakovich 1 really proves that. Although I've heard plenty of good performances of both, these stand out. The review below is 100% correct - Vengerov "really gets it" - and he was a mere 19 or 20 years old when this disc was first released in 1994. He understands these pieces and his readings of them are very welcome. The second part of the first movement of the Prokofiev is often played 'Allegro Moderato' or 'Allegro non Troppo'. Vengerov plays it at the indicated tempo, 'Moderato', and not rushed. The accents and tenutos are perfectly done. He does some great things in the 'Scherzo', especially the slides on the G string! Although I like Lydia Mordkovitch's recording of the Shostakovich with Jarvi equally well (and that disc is also superbly engineered), Vengerov's is filled with great things. And how lucky he was to record it with the composer's close friend and musical collaborator, Rostropovich. If you've become partial to other recordings of these two concertos, listen to this disc and you may very well change your mind.

Excellent playing, stunning engineering.......2006-09-27

This recording pairs a fairly unfamiliar but highly acessible concerto from Prokofiev's younger days with a dark, biting, yet heartbreaking concerto from a difficult time in the difficult life of Shostakovich.

The Prokofiev is highly sensitive and lyrical and technically solid. The London Symphony is at its best here, under the baton of Rostropovich who personally associated with both Prokofeiv and Shostakovich.

I must admit to owning about 10 recordings of the first Shostakovich concerto. This collection includes performances by Perlman, Oistrakh (twice), Hahn, Sarah Chang, and Mullova. I have heard live performances by Caitlin Tully and Vadim Repin.

Out of all of these soloists, three or four stand out as really "getting it." Oistrakh's recordings are essentially definitive, but the orchestra's sound is less-than-ideal in these aging recordings. Among the newer recordings and performances, Repin and Vengerov strike me as more emotionally attached, while Mullova smooths out some of the rough edges the men have in their sound, but unfortunately her slow movements are not slow or emotional enough for me.

The orcehstra is once again ideal. Details are very finely crafted unlike in other lesser recordings. Vengerov's playing is spectacular and takes after Oistrakhs in character and sound.

Just...beautiful.......2006-09-01

Let me start off by saying...I'm no classical expert - I don't spend my days listening to different versions of the same piece played by different composers, solists, etc...

What I have seen in this is utter virtuosity from Vengerov... he can simply evoke any tone that he likes out of his violin. There's never a passage of doubt; vengerov makes his violin sing the melodies and plays with so much expression!

I prefer the Prokofiev piece, mainly because it seems to be more "concentrated" and less drawn out. It's always moving, rushing, flowing in a "contemporary" classical manner. I can agree with other reviewers stating this piece may just be the most beautiful piece of violin literature ever written.

The Shostakovich is more introverted and reflective; sometimes it is slow at places. Reading the liner notes (something all should do, IMHO) revealed the purposed for this - a tribute to the victims of the harrowing purges under Stalin. I also read that this piece was prohibited by Stalin for release - it was not until the death of Stalin that the piece was performed. Such adds to the harrowing, haunting melodies of the piece.

Like I said, I'm no classical expert, so I couldn't tell you how Rostropovich does as a conductor. As an "average Joe," this CD sounds marvelous to me!

old cowgirl.......2006-08-15

For the connoisseur of Prokofiev this is beautifully interpreted. Vengerov obviously loves what he does.

The Perfect Marriage of Composers, Soloist, and Conductor.......2005-08-16

It would be difficult to imagine a more perfect match for these two concerti than Maxim Vengerov and Mstislav Rostropovich. Not only do the two innately understand the shared Russian spirit inherent in Prokofiev's and Shostakovich's music, they also happen to be superb musicians who can make these two concerti appear simple to the ear when they require such an enormous degree of dexterity.

The phrasing and thematic exploration by Vengerov is astonishingly right and in every way and every moment his interpretation is mirrored by Rostropovich and the responsive London Symphony Orchestra. While music lovers will probably be more thrilled with the eloquent beauty of the Prokofiev (and this is certainly the finest recording I have heard of this concerto), Vengerov's virtuosity and clarity of technique should now bring others into the fold of devotees of the Shostakovich.

Recorded in 1994 this CD is remains the Gold Standard for these two spectacular concerti. The recording ambience is rich and full and almost as exciting as being in the concert hall. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, August 05

Average customer rating:

Stern at his best`
"Old Friends are the Best Friends..."
Simply beautiful!
Exquisite!

Prokofiev: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000025U7
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Concerto No. 1 For Violin And Orchestra in D Major, Op. 19: Andantino - Andante Assai
Concerto No. 1 For Violin And Orchestra in D Major, Op. 19: Scherzo - Vivacissimo
Concerto No. 1 For Violin And Orchestra in D Major, Op. 19: Moderato
Concerto No. 2 For Violin And Orchestra In G Minor, Op. 63: Allegro Moderato
Concerto No. 2 For Violin And Orchestra In G Minor, Op. 63: Andante Assai
Concerto No. 2 For Violin And Orchestra In G Minor, Op. 63: Allegro, Ben Marcato

Customer Reviews:

Stern at his best`.......2007-03-22

Stern's playing of the second movement of no. 2 is so wonderful that he even outshines Heifetz's version. I never thought I'd ever say that because I'm a Heifetz "worshiper."
G. Miller

"Old Friends are the Best Friends...".......2007-01-10

I don't know if it's because this is the recording of the Prokofiev violin concerti that I "grew up" with, or that I heard Isaac Stern perform the First Concerto live, but I haven't heard a recording that captures this piece as well. Mr. Stern's playing is sweet when needed, acidic when called for and with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ormandy brings both pieces to life gloriously.

Simply beautiful!.......2003-05-20

What I love about Prokofieff's concerti are their connection to the musicality of each one. What I mean by that is that the solo instrument is woven into the melodic event of the piece itself instead of the orchestra being an accompaniment. Stern and Ormandy have colaborated for many redordings and this one rates among their mesmerizing best.

What is it about the Russian composers that have this brooding and melancholy feel to their works? Prokofieff's towering symhonies and concerti are so emotionally strong and vibrant and telling but still the underlying melancholy and no more beautifully expressed than in these two concertos. The way Maestroes Stern and Ormandy weave their parts together is so wonderful. So soft and then so powerful.

If you want to hear Prolofieff at his most somber and telling buy this recording. As the other reviewer said,'lay back and let it sink' into your soul(that's my addition) because that is where Prokofieff leads you.

Wonderful recording

Exquisite!.......2002-10-15

The Prokofiev Violin Concertos No. 1 and No. 2 are two of the most ethereal and spiritual pieces I have ever heard. Issac Stern seems to understand the exquisitwe beauty of the pieces and does everything he can to convey this beauty without getting in the way. Stern and Ormandy do it the best possible way. Very respectfully. And exquisitely! Lay down, listen, and allow youself to be transported and swept away...

Prokofiev: Violin Concertos 1 & 2; Stravinsky: Violin Concerto

Average customer rating:

The young Chung is fascinating in both Prokofiev concertos
sublime performance
Unique style and soul leaping out of the notes

Prokofiev: Violin Concertos 1 & 2; Stravinsky: Violin Concerto

Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000041V4
Release Date: 1998-03-10

Tracks:

Prokofiev: Vn Con No.1: I. Andantino
Prokofiev: Vn Con No.1: II. Scherzo. Vivacissimo
Prokofiev: Vn Con No.1: III. Moderato
Prokofiev: Vn Con No.2: I. Allegro moderato
Prokofiev: Vn Con No.2: II. Andante assai
Prokofiev: Vn Con No.2: III. Allegro, ben marcato
Stravinsky: Vn Con: I. Toccata
Stravinsky: Vn Con: II. Aria I
Stravinsky: Vn Con: III. Aria II
Stravinsky: Vn Con: IV. Capriccio

Customer Reviews:

The young Chung is fascinating in both Prokofiev concertos.......2007-04-24

Kung-Wha Chung was the first famous violin phenomenon from Asia, and as often happens, she turned out to be the best (so far). Her abilities transcend the copy cat; she has a distinctive tone that uses grit and raspiness when called for, and her musicmaking is full of individuality. Chng's take on the two Prokofiev concertos isn't Russian in lushness and big tone but all her own, full of details you won't hear from anyone else. That's one of the musical traits I most admire; therefore, I rate her version of both works high. Decca provides spectacular, very close
sound, allowing us to put our ears an inch away from the violin. Previn's conducting is also highly detailed, though it could use a good deal more bite, and soul, too, for that matter. His caution is the only drawback I can find in this estimable recording.

I tend to think of Chung as reather serious, on the verge of heavy-handed in her earnestness. Her approach to Prokofiev makes him sound serious, too. As applied to Stravinsky, however, it misses all the intellectual fizz; there's no neo-clasical lightness as Chung and Previn combine for some heavy stomping where jitterbugging would be more appropriate. Still, this CD deserves a listen just for the two Prokofiev works.

sublime performance.......2003-10-25

This CD is worth getting just for the second movement of Prokofiev's 2nd violin concerto, which is one of the most beautiful pieces ever written for violin and orchestra in my opinion. Chung's playing is passionate and exquisite.

Unique style and soul leaping out of the notes.......2003-03-21

Kyung Wha Chung is my favorite living violinist, she studied at Juiliard with Galamian and then later with the incredible Szigetti. Ever since I heard her play Beethoven and Bruch I became completely spellbound by her great sence of timing and tempo, sence of phrasing, and wonderful bow technique. Her staccato is incredibly articulate and her technique overall is completely effortless, it is clear to me that there is no sence of resistance between what she wants to do with the music and what she plays. In addition, she plays with incredible warmth and intensity and her recordings are of the highest quality available. I simply get every CD I can find by her.

If you are a serious musician, you already know how phenominal a talent Prokofiev is. When you read his music, the style and soul just comes leaping out of the notes. The man had his own style and sound, while making so many incredible works with melodies so pure you can not help but to love them. The other thing about him that sticks out in my mind was the mention in the Richter book about how Prokofiev disgusted some teachers and won over others when he was at the conservatory and that gave him great pleasure to divide the opinions of his superiors. The repression of his music and talent by the Soviet government was brought on by his ability to create new sounds incorporating dissonances that work. This new sound must have been a musical revolution at the time because the government banned his music to be played until Richter came along and made it popular. You really have to respect someone who has their own sound and is able to capture you with a strong melody as well as have the confidence to stand out and do something differently. I can honestly say I have never heard anything like Prokofiev before or since, his talent is completely genius and after listening to his piano works I decided that he is no less brilliant than even the other Russian titan, Rachmaninoff.

Of course I am terribly fond of both concertos here written by Prokofiev. I have many recordings of these concertos including Heifetz, Milstein, Mintz to name a few but this is the CD I play when I want to hear these great concertos. I also like to I pull out the old Oistrakh recordings to compare these performances to but this CD has better recording quality. For the Stravinsky I would suggest this and Hilary Hahn's recording to contrast each other.

If you like the Prokofiev Concerto 1 then you might consider getting the DVD with Repin.

Customer Reviews:

Indispensable Recordings from Leinsdorf's Masterful Prokofiev Series.......2005-08-31

John Browning and Erich Leinsdorf first recorded a Prokofiev piano concerto (the Third) in 1960 for Capitol records. When Leinsdorf became music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra two years later, he brought Browning to RCA and they recorded all five, the very first integral set anywhere. Some forty years later, it's still impressive as remastered by Testament. These are sharply projected, athletic performances that nevertheless do not scant Prokofiev's characteristically mordant lyricism. Analog sound quality is first-rate, in fact superior to what RCA managed to transfer to its original Lps. Neither Browning nor Leinsdorf are with us anymore and this set is a fine tribute to their memory. But it isn't just nostalgia that persuades me to recommend this set: even given its steep price and competition from the likes of Ashkenazy/Previn, Beroff/Masur and others, Browning and Leinsdorf's unique projection of machine-like power and lyric whimsy is essential to a full understanding of these wonderful compositions. As a bonus, Testament throws in a fine performance of the first Violin Concerto recorded by Leinsdorf, the BSO and Heifetz-protege Erick Friedman. Friedman's performance isn't in the Browning league, but it's splendidly assured and goes far to explain why Heifetz placed such high hopes in his future. Note: Leinsdorf recorded the second Violin Concerto at about the same time with a young Itzhak Perlman and that recording is also available on a BMG/RCA CD. In fact, Leinsdorf recorded quite a bit of Prokofiev in Boston for RCA and Testament apparently intends to release much of that series on CD over the next year or so. Good news for those of us who have been praying for a release of symphonies 2, 3, 5 and (especially) 6! One can only wonder why BMG/RCA have been so derelict in reissuing these fabulous (and fabulously well-recorded) recordings, while applauding Testament for its initiative. Leinsdorf's Boston tenure produced nothing more memorable than the stunning performances RCA captured in its Prokofiev series, and they're all 'must-buy' priorities for anyone who loves Prokofiev's music.

Prokofiev: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Violin Sonata No. 2

Average customer rating:

Prokofiev does not get much better
Incredible Music, Incredibly Played
Oistrakh is a master, but these interpretations are low key
Great addition to a music lover's collection...
Brilliant, But Collectors Beware

Prokofiev: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Violin Sonata No. 2

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Devil's Trill: Showpieces for violin & piano
Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Brahms: Double Concerto / Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter
Brahms: Violin Concerto; Violin Sonata No. 3
Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No1, Op107; Violin Concerto No1 (revised), Op99
Prokofiev: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

ASIN: B0002VEPNU
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

I: Andantino
II: Scherzo (Vivacissimo)
III: Moderato
I: Allegro Moderato
II: Andante Assai
III: Allegro, Ben Marcato
I. Moderato
II: Scherzo (Presto)
III: Andante
IV: Allegro Con Brio

Customer Reviews:

Prokofiev does not get much better.......2007-01-10

A brilliant performance by possibly the best violinist of his generation and, since he was Russian, Oistrakh has a real feel for the elemental Russian-ness of the music

Incredible Music, Incredibly Played.......2006-07-12

This is a really great Cd, for many reasons. Firstly, the music itself is incredible. Prokofiev's First Violin Concerto is a great piece of music. In many ways, it is typical Prokofiev, exciting, quirky, abrasive. But at other times, it is so ethereal and beautiful. The orchestra part is very light and transparent, which allows each individual instrument to shine in its own way (particularly in the spectacular scherzo). The 2nd Violin Sonata was originally a flute sonata, but Oistrakh (who was a good friend of Prokofiev) helped him transcribe it for violin. A flautist friend of mine who was writing a college paper about Prokofiev told me that she read that the flautist who premiered the sonata was drunk at the time, which prompted Oistrakh to declare he could play the piece much better. I don't know if that's actually true, but if I've read enough Dostoevsky that it doesn't seem too far fetched for a Russian (just kidding!). It's very neo-classical in form, which provides a nice canvas for Prokofiev's often humorous writing (compared to the much more intense 1st Violin Sonata - also a wonderful piece). I don't like the 2nd Violin Concerto as much. It's not a bad piece, but I don't think its as memorable as either of the other two pieces.

Oistrakh's playing, as usual, is impeccable. His tone is full and beautiful in every register and he navigates the speedy Scherzo of the 1st concerto with more clarity than any other player I've heard. I don't think that Oistrakh's playing is too tame on this disc. I think we often attribute the craziness with which many violinist play these pieces to being intentional or purely for effect. On the other hand, I think in many cases it may simply be a product of how difficult the music is. It's much harder to play this music cleanly and controlled than it is to rip through it "crazily" (although I also enjoy that approach - check out Josefowicz's recording for a much crazier rendition). However, I don't think that Oistrakh's uncanny technical mastery is a hinderance to his expressive abilities. On the other hand, being such a technical good player allows him to phrase subtlely and tastefully at all times, even when playing passages that would have most other violinst simply hoping to get through it.

I don't like referring to any given recording as a benchmark or definitive this or that... I think all artists have something different to offer (which is how I justify buying so many different versions of the same pieces...). However, if I HAD to declare one recording the best, I think this would have to be it. Enjoy!

Oistrakh is a master, but these interpretations are low key.......2006-07-10

The Gramohone says that Oistrakh's playing was 'a calming influence in an agitated world,' which encapsulates how his admirers feel about an artist whose interpretations could be decidedly low-key and overly controlled. Rarely is Oistrakh willing to surrender his immaculate technique for the sake of spontaneity or visceral excitement (of course, thre are exceptions--no one made as many recordings or as many multiple copies of a single work).

These mono concerto recordings from EMI's archive show his tone and technique off to excellent effect, although the orchestras are a bit too far back to have an impact. Oistrakh used the Prokofiev First as a specialty piece, and here he sounds completely at ease, spinning out lyric lines and fast passagework with effortlessness and exquisite tonal sheen. I'd like to hear more imaginaiton, not to mention passionate involvement, which is largely missing here, and Matacic's accompaniment is good without equaling what the soloist is doing. The Second Concerto under Galliera is lackluster in the orchestral part, and Oistrakh doesn't seem as involved, either.

I think modern Russian virtuosos, particularly Vengerov in his acclaimed recordings with Rostropovich (Teldec), are nearly Oistrakh's equal in technique and surpass him in excitement, not to meniton recorded sound. But there is a unique finesse to his playing that no one has matched, and if that appeals to you, these are very worthwhile documents. The Second Sonata with Yampolsky is in good stereo and is just as beautifully executed as the concertos.

Great addition to a music lover's collection..........2005-04-23

...just as long as you're starting it. You may only want to read this if you're new to this music because the past reviewer has wisely mentioned it, this has been previously released, and sometimes if your collection grows, it's difficult to keep track of the CDs you own, so careful! Now, if you are new to REAL music, it's a great choice, even more so for a violinist, since it features a must-listen piece: Prokofiev's beautiful No2 concerto performed by the magnificent David Oistrakh, one of the most recognizable names among violinists. Concerto No1, though shorter than most other violin concertos, is also worth listening; plus, it has the violin sonata No2 as a bonus! So if you're a newbie to classical music then by all means buy it, and don't stop there! After that get Tchaikovsky's violin concerto and the Brandenburg Concerts and Mozart's operas and...

Brilliant, But Collectors Beware.......2005-01-06

These mono recordings of Prokofiev's Violin Concertos are nothing short of brilliant, and despite their mono sound, are in the opinion of many the best accounts ever recorded. The problem is serious collectors most likely already own two-thirds of the contents of this disc. You see, in the past EMI has licensed out many of their more specialized performances to a British company called Testament. The very same performances featured here of the Concerto No.1 and Violin Sonata No. 2 were previously issued on Testament's SBT 1116 (see my review) & 1113 CDs respectively. While novice fans stumbling upon this CD in the bins at their local store could care less about this fact, it is a major problem for serious collectors like myself. It is often hard enough to avoid purchasing duplicate material on the same record label with the numerous reissues that have drifted in an out-of-print over the years, let alone encountering the same music on different labels. Though coming from a jazz background, I shouldn't be surprised with EMI's tactics. This is the same kind of thing they do all the time with Mosaic Records -- authorizing the production of limited edition boxed sets then when the Mosaic edition sells out, re-releasing the same music as single titles on their own brand. In fact, I know of at least one other upcoming release, the Guido Cantelli offering in EMI's "Great Artists of the Century" series, that will duplicate yet another Testament title -- "The Debussy Recordings" SBT 1011 (see my review). So in summary, EMI has produced some great reissues lately, just make sure you don't already own them.

Average customer rating:

A great career is launched

Prokofiev and Glazunov Violin Concertos
Sergey Prokofiev , Alexander Konstantinovich Glazunov , Nikolaj Znaider , Marriss Jansons , and Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006313T
Release Date: 2002-03-19

Tracks:

Violin Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op.63: Allegro Moderato
Violin Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op.63: Andante Assai
Violin Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op.63: Allegro, Ben Marcato
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Amazon.com

This is the first recording of an extraordinarily talented young violinist. Born in Denmark to Polish-Israeli parents in 1975, Znaider won the Carl Nielsen International Violin Competition in 1992 and the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels in 1997, and he's embarked on a flourishing career spanning several continents. From this recording, as from his concert appearances, it's clear that he is a virtuoso with a formidable, utterly secure, effortless but totally unobtrusive technique; a lovely tone of great warmth, purity, and flexibility; and a sensitive musical expressiveness so genuine that it needs no external effects, not even slides.

Of the two Prokofiev concertos, the second is the more ingratiating and lyrical one, and Znaider makes the soaring melodies sing rapturously. His tone in the high register, so beloved by the composer, shimmers radiantly. There are also plenty of fast bravura passages, which Znaider tosses off with ease, brilliance, and absolute clarity. Better yet, he gives them shape and makes them sound like music, even the famously--or infamously--difficult, long, and jagged sections in the Finale. The Glazunov has a warm, ardent glow as well as a subdued, inward delicacy. Its bleak mournfulness is always noble and deeply felt. The Cadenza is wistful and introspective, the Finale elegant and charming. The Tchaikovsky Meditation is melancholy, but never becomes sentimental; the excellent orchestral solos stand out, while the violinist discreetly weaves figurations around them. This is a most promising and impressive debut. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

A great career is launched.......2005-10-17

Two nights ago while visiting Chicago I heard Nikolaj Znaider live, and it was a cpativating experience. I rushed home and bought this, his first CD, and it fulfills the promise of what I heard (he performed the Mendelssohn concerto with the CSO under Barenboim and has just recorded it). The Amazon reviewer has stated everything perfectly: Znaider is a virtuoso second and a musicain first, never intruding himself into the compoer's total conception. He plays a gorgeous Stradivarius, caught on this CD very well in quite closely miked sound.

To show you how unassuming this virtuoso is, the second half of the CSO program was devoted to the Mahelr Fifth. Without fanfare Znaider sneaked into the back row of the first violins and played along, and he even turned the pages for his desk mate!

There are fine versions of the Prokofiev Second around, but Znaider is competitive with all of them. HIs is better conducted (by Maris Jansons) than the vengerov or Shaham recordings I previously favored. If you want warm, lyrical violin playing to melt the heart a la Joshua Bell, rest asured that Znaider is off to a great career with exactly that style.

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Prokofiev and Sibelius Violin Concertos
Sibelius Prokofiev , Neeme Jarvi , Ilya Gringolts , and Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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