Search - Jean Sibelius, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Emmanuel Krivine :: Tchaikovsky/Sibelius: Violin Concertos

A spiritual experience

J. Buxton | Waltham, MA United States | 01/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I judge a cd performance primarily by its ability to move me in some way, either emotionally or intellectually. Suffice it to say this cd moved me in every way possible and left me stunned at the end. But I must say more. I would even say I was moved spiritually by Mr. Repin's performance. I can't imagine either of these famous concertos being played with more skill, intelligence, expressiveness, sensitivity or virtuosity. On my first listening of the Tchaikovsky I was put off by the violin not being more forward in the recording, but upon further hearings I have come to realize wisdom of this choice. The pieces were recorded in a London church and the acoustic provides more of a resonant (again spiritual comes to mind) ambience. What impresses me more than anything else is Repin's ability to have complete control of the volume coming out of his instrument and this is the first recording of the Tchaikovsky I have heard where the dynamic markings in the score are observed so well. Kudos also to Krivine and the wonderful playing of the LSO. The central Canzonetta movement is absolutely beautiful. As for the Sibelius, it is possibly even finer if that is possible with every nuance of emotion played for maximum effect. Again, Repin has the ability to withdraw his tone at will and then increase the volume and tension when the natural drama of the piece calls for it. The first movement, which I have always loved, literally brought me to tears in this version. I am not ashamed to say I was brought to tears again in the climax of the second movement Adagio di molto. The finale is thrilling. While his contemporary Vengerov on the Teldec label may have more technical command (and that is debatable), Repin definitely has the full emotional and expressive measure of these works. Confidently recommended."

Simply ethereal

J. Buxton | 05/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Words can't explain the magic of this CD. Two amazing, yet very different, works played to absolute perfection. Repin may not be the most well known name amongst violinists, but hopefully it will be. The thing that separates both of these concertos from others is that they not only require technical virtuosity, but a complete understanding of the many timbres that can be played on a violin. Many performers can play through the fast notes with no problem, but fail to grasp that each note in these concertos needs to be played a certain way to express the full impact that these pieces hold. Repin does this so well, it is almost superhuman. The Sibelius concerto (which to me is remeniscent of the Chopin piano concertos in how the solo instrument is the main focus of the piece as opposed to an equilibrium between the soloist and orchestra)is simply a tour de force of the violin, understood completely by both the performer and conducter. Don't bother with other recordings that may look appealiing because of who is performing it. This is the only recording you'll ever need of these emotional rollercoasters."

Repin magnificent but Krivine is not... and the sound is poo

villegem | canada | 05/21/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Imagine an incredible violinist who can play the Sibelius without inflicting the piece any sweaty gipsy accents, give a noble account, imbued into the northern lights of Scandinavia...

Now pair this miracle musician with an uninspired, heavyhanded conductor -who seems to be the punition for any Reine Elisabeth winner recording Sibelius cf. Sergei Kachatryan naive recording of the piece- and make sure the recording engineer is asleep at the wheel: that's what this recording offers.

The Tchaikovsky is inspired and offers the reading of a idealistic young officer coming right out of a Tolstoi epic story. It is convincing, luminous and the finale is breathtaking. This is the polar opposite of the also convincing live Mutter performance which captured and infused a complex woman's character in a towering, unique, sublime performance.



In summary, just imagine what Repin and Nagano conducting the Halle orchestra recorded by Chatauret could have done with these concerti...

The cd despite Krivine and the poor recording is a must have for the Sibelius by Repin. A heartbreaker otherwise..."