Search - Dicterow, Startker, Israel Phil Orch :: Concertos In Contrast [Australia]

Contains the best recording of Bloch's "Schelomo" ever

goodmusicman | USA | 08/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This import CD--so obscure that Amazon doesn't even provide the tracks it contains--features the very best recording of Bloch's Hebraic Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra, "Schelomo", of all time. It features cellist Janos Starker with Zubin Mehta conducting the Israel Philharmonic. While there are many recordings of this work which feature passionate cello playing--and Starker's playing may be the best of them all--what makes this recording stand out is the orchestral playing, which is nothing short of jaw-dropping. The classicstoday review says Mehta "throws caution to the wind and the orchestra goes crazy in the passionate orchestral interludes". Well, that comment is right on target, because you'll never hear more furious orchestral playing in this piece. Bernstein and Ancerl don't even come close. The sound quality of this stereo recording is unbelievably good, better than many digital recordings, with excellent accoustics. If you've always wanted a really exciting performance of Schelomo, here's your ticket.

This CD also features an excellent performance of Haydn's Trumpet Concerto in E flat major, as well as works by Vivaldi, Weber and Wieniawski, all well played. But don't let the odd couplings scare you off. Even if you don't like music of the Classical period (i.e. 18th century), this CD is still a must-own just for the "Schelomo" alone. You will not regret it."