Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Felix [1] Mendelssohn, Seiji Ozawa :: Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto; Beethoven:Two Romances

A brilliant Mendelssohn

PHILSIGAULT | France | 09/12/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Beethoven romances are bit disappointing. Stern has lost the grace of his young years: the bow is heavy and the sound is a bit rough. But that's the STERN SOUND!!! Musically, the interpretations are well thought.

Now comes the Mendelssohn. Stern opts for a slow tempo and gives an immaculate rendition of the concerto. It's a romantic interpretation : very peaceful and tender passages alternate with stormy ones. (Sturm und drang)I've heard many recordings of the concerto and never found the magic of Stern at the end of the cadenza when the violin plays arpeggios and when the orchestra takes up the original theme. Stern skips from basic arpeggios to arpeggios "sautillé" and this passage is a miracle. Just before the end, when the violin plays octaves from G to B and then the violently desperate E, Stern's playing is extraordinary. The sound is like fire, boiling hot. I will stop now and invite you to listen to this recording which I warmly recommend."

These recordings are far from a Disappointment!

PHILSIGAULT | 01/05/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have this cd of Isaac Stern, and his interpretation as always is superb.This other reviewer stating that this cd is a disgrace is a disgrace for saying something about a great musician. Even if Stern was not in top form it still wouldn't be a disgrace. Believe me the Beethoven Romances are played Beautifully! Buy the cd you wont go wrong with a Stern recording."