Search - Nathan Milstein, Georges Pludermacher :: Last Recital

The landmark

06/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mr. Milstein played with undiminished power and virtuosity even in his eighties. His insights on Baroque music and violin solos of Bach and Paganini remains unparallel. It can be easily heard on the disc he played with freedom that he never showed before. My favourite track goes to his famous transcription of Liszt's Consolation No. 3 because the splendour in this version is not found in his previous recordings. The sound quality of this disc is excellent. A must for all violin music lovers."

Astonishing valedictory performance from a master

klavierspiel | TX, USA | 03/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nathan Milstein's long career was a triumphant exception to the rule that violinists lose their powers as they age. This recital, recorded at age eighty-two, turned out to be his last before an injury finally curtailed his performing.It can't be said that no signs of aging are evident in the master's playing--tempi tend to be quick, avoiding the necessity of long, sustained bows. At times this does detract from the overall effect: the Introduction of Sarasate's Introduction and Tarantelle is disappointing, lacking sufficient languid repose. On the other hand, Milstein's facility in quick passagework remains unimpaired, making the subsequent fast dance a dazzling romp. The Bach Chaconne likewise gains an impressive cumulative sweep with its flowing tempo. Violinists half Milstein's age should be envious of his accurate intonation. Several tracks at the end are probably encores, ending with his inimitable rendition of a transcription of Liszt's Third Consolation for piano. Milstein's ornamentation and harmony wander far afield from Liszt's original, but the composer would probably have approved all the changes when played with such conviction and passionate sentiment. This is much more than a mere document of a venerable performer's last hurrah--it is vibrant music-making. Georges Pludermacher provides consistently sympathetic and accurate support, though the piano is somewhat distantly recorded. The only small quibble I have is, being a live recital, retaining at least a modicum of applause in the transfer would have added to the atmosphere."

Very Moving Performance

Daniel D. Kim | Vancouver, British Columbia Canada | 12/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nathan Milstein is one of the best violinists in the 20th century. This is the recording of the last recital. You should not expect the same kind of performance that you expected from young Milstein. There is no longer evenness in his sound and he seemed to have struggled. But I still think that the performance was very moving one. He no longer played with his body. He played with his heart."