"Gil Shaham's rendition of this American classic only serves to strengthen his position as one of the very best violinists playing today. Actually, that's not all this recording does; it also captures this concerto more breathtakingly played than I've ever heard, thus rendering a great service to listeners everywhere. Although there are many, many recordnings of this great piece, this is the one I would choose, for Shaham's flawless playing, fullness of tone and sensitivity, as well as the moving and thrilling orchestral performance. The Korngold is a pleasant, enjoyable and good-humored piece, with a ravishing opening and a rollicking finale, again with first-rate performances from all involved. I personally found the Much Ado Suite more interesting; an intimate gem of a work."
The best modern recording of these two concertos!
William J. Finn | Sarasota Florida | 07/22/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is one excellent performance. Shaham's playing is both big and full of bite at times, and then restrained at other times. I
think overall, it is Shaham and Previn's feeling and observance for the dynamics of these concertos which helps make this such an excellent recording. In the Barber I have seldom heard the second movement played with such a long sustained legato, nor have I ever heard the third movement with better dynamics and emphasis from the soloist. I have heard it played much faster, although much to the detriment of the music usually. The first movement of the Korngold concerto is played a little slower than I am used to it, but still mainains it's tenseness in large part due to Shaham's performance. The second movement is pensive and nostalgic, and the third has just the right childish playfulness. Andre Previn, always noted as a most exempliary accompanist, is always right there supporting his soloist, and the LSO offers him it's usual fine support. Topping it all off is DGG's incredible sound engineering. Those bass fiddle pizzicatos in the second movement of the Barber are right there in your living room. And the balance of the soloist and the orchestra is simply the best in both concertos. The "Much Ado About Nothing" suite is actually the piano/violin version. When the play was extended in 1920, and the chamber orchestra Korngold hired wasn't available anymore, he re-scored his music for piano and violin, Korngold playing the piano part. I had never heard this version before until this CD. Previn adds immensely to this duo with his impeccable piano playing."
Definitive performance of the Barber concerto
jovaldo | 03/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Plain and simple, this is THE recording to own of the Barber violin concerto. I have seen this piece performed live, and have heard many versions on disc, but none of them come close to the version of Gil Shaham with the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Andre Previn. I recently saw Gil Shaham in concert and let me tell you his playing is no fluke. He is one of classical music's true superstars. His tone is brilliant, his bowing is impeccable, and he plays with sincere emotion and passion. While the first two movements are lyrical and don't pose many problems for soloists, the third movement is a mindscrambler and gives even the most talented of violinists a good workout. Shaham renders the fiery score as if it were a children's tune! Shaham's virtuosity is only half the pleasure though, the London Symphony under the direction of Andre Previn is equally inspired. In addition to Shaham's performance being the best of the solo part, the LSO's performance is the finest orchestral performance I've heard of this piece too. Not only are the performances tight, but the sound is impeccable. I believe the Barber Violin Concerto to be the best piece of classical music ever written by an American, and it is a joy that such a wonderful recording is available. Shaham had to push Deutsche Grammaphon to let him record these concertos...its a good thing they finally capitulated! Even without the Korngold Concerto(which is a fantastic piece) this album is worth every penny. I really don't like going on and on about an album, but this is truly one of the finest recordings I've ever heard."
Absolutely Top Notch
Trevor Gillespie | San Jose, California United States | 12/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Gil Shaham has one of the cleanest styles of violin playing that I have heard to date, perfectly evidenced on this disc of plain beauty. The Barber Violin Concerto is an incredible work to begin with. The Adagio just begs for a violinist to show off his lyricism and pure ability to create beautiful sounds. Even a so so performance of this work is going to sound great, however an incredible performance of this concerto will have you coming back for more and more. This recording qualifies as such. Not only is the soloist incredible, but something should be said about the fine London Symphony Orchestra and Andre Previn. They do a wonderful job at following Shaham and Previn even brings out some beautiful orchestral detail to enhance Shaham. If you own at least one Barber Violin Concerto, you must buy this and hear so that you will be able to hear what I am talking about. If you don't own this or any recording of the concerto, try this one as it will show you that Samuel Barber is perhaps the greatest American composer---a true late late Romantic. Then, there is the Korngold Violin Concerto. Dismissed as a Hollywood composer, many a listeners are deprived of the true talents that Erich Korngold possessed. This violin concerto is a showpiece for pure lyricism. The orchestral writing perfectly supports the solo violin. Gil Shaham and the LSO show us that there is much to commend and admire in the music of Korngold--that it was true classical music and that it worthy of being played in the concert halls."
You know it when you hear it...
CD | San Antonio, TX | 03/17/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Even first time listeners of the Barber or Korngold concertos will know that this is what the composers had in mind when they put pen to paper. Gil Shaham approaches these pieces with real honesty and humbleness. So many other violinists just don't seem to make the same impact, for whatever reason. His interpretations bring a certain organic vitality to so many "standard" violin pieces, and in doing so he is redefining the meaning of quality in performance. And I'll bet his philosophy of life is just as honest and humble as his playing. There's no faking it when it comes to playing like this. Long story short: buy this recording!"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
