Search - David Oistrakh :: Artists of the Century: Essential David Oistrakh

Rare recordings from a great violinist

Christopher Bonds | 06/04/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This 2-CD compilation contains previously unreleased live versions of Mozart and Brahms concerti as well as the two Beethoven Romances. The second CD contains marvelous performances of the two Shostakovich concerti. While the sound on the first CD is not up to current standards even for live recordings, it's acceptable, and Oistrakh's playing is unbeatable in its authority and sweetness in the slow, singing passages. The mike placement in the Mozart is quite close to the soloist, farther back in the Brahms. Listeners who know only the current crop of violin virtuosi can learn from hearing Oistrakh. He never hams it up or "emotes." Consequently the power of his playing lies in the depth of his understanding and his commitment to the music. The authority of his approach is especially evident in the purity of his intonation, which is nothing more than a measure of how well he listened to his own playing. Because the selections on CD 1 are live and unedited performances they are not perfect technically; but the few glitches (for example in the 3rd-movement cadenza in the Mozart) are insignificant in view of the treasures to be found here. This set is for Oistrakh fans and fans of the violin in general."

Oistrahk and Shostakovich

Christopher Bonds | 06/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The reason that I rate this CD so highly is mainly because of the fact that Oistrahk is playing the Shostakovich violin concertos, especially op. 99 (the one that was written for him). It is incredibly intense."