MacMillan: From Ayrshire; Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto; Mozart: Adagio K216

Advantages: Mutter's eloquence and sensitivity in older recording are enhanced here.
Disadvantages: None at all!

...performances. I?ve always found a rare, affecting quality in Mutter's distinctive sound. A pure, silvery tone unlike any other flows effortlessly from her Strad, yet she avoids descending to soporific and maudlin lows. Her more expansive reading, the greater elasticity than is usual of her sustained notes, allows one to absorb, ponder and appreciate the sheer exquisiteness of the music more fully. Read on to see why this disc will rank among my DIDs (desert island discs) for all time. ~~~~~~~~~~ As befits its Teutonic origins, the Brahms violin concerto is a weighty one, in contrast to, say, the Mendelssohn. In this seminal work, Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) displays some of the most emotive and lyrical musical themes in the classical repertoire. Brahms wrote it for his good friend, Joseph Joaquim (1831-1907), asking the great Austro... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Excellent performances in a perfect setting
Disadvantages: Very minor quibbles

.... Violin geeks will be pleased to know that one can examine Mr Shaham's left and right hand technique in detail and there's lots of opportunities to really learn from this DVD. Music: Mozart - think melodies, think heart-rendingly simple expression of emotions, yet at the same time a love of fun and dance. This is totally approachable music which is joyful, longing, playful and incredibly relaxing to listen to. Having the single minor sonata in the middle of the performance provides a heart-rending intensity and this - K.304 - is probably the finest interpretation on the DVD. There are lots of almost aria like operatic melodies in the slow movements of these sonatas, whilst the joie de vivre of the faster sections is sure to have you tapping your feet and perhaps dancing around the living room doing your housework! It is music to... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Classic Concertos for Everybody
Disadvantages: Strings only!!!no woodwind...boo!

...No.2 in g minor Allegro non molto - Allegro / Adagio - Presto - Adagio / Presto Here the strings adopt a heady, moody summer style. The oppressive heat and looming storm is aptly labelled "Summer Storm." you can almost count down the the looming storm. The style reflects the dripping heat and you can imagine you are in a heat shimmer some where in a desert, or in a meditterranean abode having an afternoon nap! 3:Autumn: Concerto No.3 in F Major, Allegro (Peasant Dance and Song) / Adagio molto (Sleeping Drunkards) / Allegro (The Hunt) There is hint of the fading sun, and time if busyness wiuth the harvest and preparations for winter. This isn't as well known as the other pieces on the CD, but well worth a listen, as you can really tell the difference between the seasons. Each has a signature which is instantly recognisable. 4... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful