Search - Samuel Barber, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Andre Previn :: Barber: Concerto for violin Op14; Korngold: Much Ado about Nothing Op11

Worth its price and more

Joshua Saulle | Yonkers, NY USA | 12/04/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gil Shaham's rendition of this American classic only serves to strengthen his position as one of the very best violinists playing today. Actually, that's not all this recording does; it also captures this concerto more breathtakingly played than I've ever heard, thus rendering a great service to listeners everywhere. Although there are many, many recordnings of this great piece, this is the one I would choose, for Shaham's flawless playing, fullness of tone and sensitivity, as well as the moving and thrilling orchestral performance. The Korngold is a pleasant, enjoyable and good-humored piece, with a ravishing opening and a rollicking finale, again with first-rate performances from all involved. I personally found the Much Ado Suite more interesting; an intimate gem of a work."

The best modern recording of these two concertos!

William J. Finn | Sarasota Florida | 07/22/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is one excellent performance. Shaham's playing is both big and full of bite at times, and then restrained at other times. I
think overall, it is Shaham and Previn's feeling and observance for the dynamics of these concertos which helps make this such an excellent recording. In the Barber I have seldom heard the second movement played with such a long sustained legato, nor have I ever heard the third movement with better dynamics and emphasis from the soloist. I have heard it played much faster, although much to the detriment of the music usually. The first movement of the Korngold concerto is played a little slower than I am used to it, but still mainains it's tenseness in large part due to Shaham's performance. The second movement is pensive and nostalgic, and the third has just the right childish playfulness. Andre Previn, always noted as a most exempliary accompanist, is always right there supporting his soloist, and the LSO offers him it's usual fine support. Topping it all off is DGG's incredible sound engineering. Those bass fiddle pizzicatos in the second movement of the Barber are right there in your living room. And the balance of the soloist and the orchestra is simply the best in both concertos. The "Much Ado About Nothing" suite is actually the piano/violin version. When the play was extended in 1920, and the chamber orchestra Korngold hired wasn't available anymore, he re-scored his music for piano and violin, Korngold playing the piano part. I had never heard this version before until this CD. Previn adds immensely to this duo with his impeccable piano playing."

Definitive performance of the Barber concerto

jovaldo | 03/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Plain and simple, this is THE recording to own of the Barber violin concerto. I have seen this piece performed live, and have heard many versions on disc, but none of them come close to the version of Gil Shaham with the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Andre Previn. I recently saw Gil Shaham in concert and let me tell you his playing is no fluke. He is one of classical music's true superstars. His tone is brilliant, his bowing is impeccable, and he plays with sincere emotion and passion. While the first two movements are lyrical and don't pose many problems for soloists, the third movement is a mindscrambler and gives even the most talented of violinists a good workout. Shaham renders the fiery score as if it were a children's tune! Shaham's virtuosity is only half the pleasure though, the London Symphony under the direction of Andre Previn is equally inspired. In addition to Shaham's performance being the best of the solo part, the LSO's performance is the finest orchestral performance I've heard of this piece too. Not only are the performances tight, but the sound is impeccable. I believe the Barber Violin Concerto to be the best piece of classical music ever written by an American, and it is a joy that such a wonderful recording is available. Shaham had to push Deutsche Grammaphon to let him record these concertos...its a good thing they finally capitulated! Even without the Korngold Concerto(which is a fantastic piece) this album is worth every penny. I really don't like going on and on about an album, but this is truly one of the finest recordings I've ever heard."