Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61: Allegro ma non troppo
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61: Larghetto
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61: Rondo, Allegro
When Itzhak Perlman recorded this disc, many critics were surprised by the sobriety and quiet poetry of his interpretation, as though his many fine chamber-music recordings did not provide ample evidence of Perlman's quali... more »ties as a "serious" musician. Although beautifully written for the instrument, Beethoven's sole violin concerto does not offer many opportunities for the kind of virtuoso fireworks that have made Perlman famous. But as all great musicians will, he turned this fact to his own advantage. This sensitive, profound performance has already passed into legend as a classic in every sense of the word. --David Hurwitz« less
When Itzhak Perlman recorded this disc, many critics were surprised by the sobriety and quiet poetry of his interpretation, as though his many fine chamber-music recordings did not provide ample evidence of Perlman's qualities as a "serious" musician. Although beautifully written for the instrument, Beethoven's sole violin concerto does not offer many opportunities for the kind of virtuoso fireworks that have made Perlman famous. But as all great musicians will, he turned this fact to his own advantage. This sensitive, profound performance has already passed into legend as a classic in every sense of the word. --David Hurwitz
"I agree with the reviewer here who writes, "Perlman's Beethoven is technically sound, and in tune. It is not, however, bold, exciting, unique, or interesting." And I find Giulini's accompaniment too cautious and reverential. Where's the drama?
The Beethoven concerto is a warhorse that also hapens to be a masterpiece, and like the Fifth Sym., we've heard it a hundred times--it needs something fresh to come to life. Perlman and Giulini don't provide that. It's as if they wnated to mkae an officially great document for posterity.
I much prefer Giulini's Sony recording with Salvatore Accardo, who plays with soulful Romaantic ocnviction, not the only approach to Beethoven but better than what we hear on this CD."
A recording of resplendent beauty.
Miles D. Moore | Alexandria, VA USA | 01/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have heard Perlman perform the Beethoven concerto live, and was entranced by his rich, golden tone and enormous depth of feeling. This CD with Carlo Maria Giulini reproduces that live performance as much as any recording could hope to do. Perlman has been unfairly typed as a performer of mere surface flash, and this CD demonstrates just how unfair that charge truly is."
Beautiful and lyrical
Jeff Davis Maynor | Baton Rouge, LA United States | 07/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Beethoven's violin concerto, considered one of the if not the best ever written, has been recorded by every great violinist, and each brings their own strenghs to it. Perlman's strengh lies in the emotion his manages to convey in his superb playing. Giulini and the Philharmonia are wonderful partners in this recording and while I don't consider this the best recording (that honor falls to Heifetz and the Boston Symphony in my humble opinion) it is one that I truly enjoy and keep near the top of my list."
"A hole in one"
Jesper Th Petersen | Shanghai, China | 10/20/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When the original LP came out in the early 80', it was told that Perlman went straight to London, did one recording only without rehearsals with the Philharmonia Orchestra, and then "it was done".
I wore out my LP by listening over and over again, and enjoy it still as being the best LP (and CD) I've ever bought.
The playing by Perlman is superb in his usual recognizeable style.
As "must have" for every collector of Beethoven - and others"