Search - Sergey Prokofiev, Dmitry Shostakovich, Mstislav Rostropovich :: Prokofiev, Shostakovich: Violin Concertos no 1 / Rostropovich, Vengerov

Just...beautiful

Marvin Migl | Dallas, TX, USA | 08/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let me start off by saying...I'm no classical expert - I don't spend my days listening to different versions of the same piece played by different composers, solists, etc...



What I have seen in this is utter virtuosity from Vengerov... he can simply evoke any tone that he likes out of his violin. There's never a passage of doubt; vengerov makes his violin sing the melodies and plays with so much expression!



I prefer the Prokofiev piece, mainly because it seems to be more "concentrated" and less drawn out. It's always moving, rushing, flowing in a "contemporary" classical manner. I can agree with other reviewers stating this piece may just be the most beautiful piece of violin literature ever written.



The Shostakovich is more introverted and reflective; sometimes it is slow at places. Reading the liner notes (something all should do, IMHO) revealed the purposed for this - a tribute to the victims of the harrowing purges under Stalin. I also read that this piece was prohibited by Stalin for release - it was not until the death of Stalin that the piece was performed. Such adds to the harrowing, haunting melodies of the piece.



Like I said, I'm no classical expert, so I couldn't tell you how Rostropovich does as a conductor. As an "average Joe," this CD sounds marvelous to me!"

Excellent playing, stunning engineering

A. Yen | MA, USA | 09/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording pairs a fairly unfamiliar but highly acessible concerto from Prokofiev's younger days with a dark, biting, yet heartbreaking concerto from a difficult time in the difficult life of Shostakovich.



The Prokofiev is highly sensitive and lyrical and technically solid. The London Symphony is at its best here, under the baton of Rostropovich who personally associated with both Prokofeiv and Shostakovich.



I must admit to owning about 10 recordings of the first Shostakovich concerto. This collection includes performances by Perlman, Oistrakh (twice), Hahn, Sarah Chang, and Mullova. I have heard live performances by Caitlin Tully and Vadim Repin.



Out of all of these soloists, three or four stand out as really "getting it." Oistrakh's recordings are essentially definitive, but the orchestra's sound is less-than-ideal in these aging recordings. Among the newer recordings and performances, Repin and Vengerov strike me as more emotionally attached, while Mullova smooths out some of the rough edges the men have in their sound, but unfortunately her slow movements are not slow or emotional enough for me.



The orcehstra is once again ideal. Details are very finely crafted unlike in other lesser recordings. Vengerov's playing is spectacular and takes after Oistrakhs in character and sound."

Old cowgirl

BARBARA WOODS | northern california | 08/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For the connoisseur of Prokofiev this is beautifully interpreted. Vengerov obviously loves what he does."