Search - Antonin Dvorak, Edward Elgar, Kurt Masur :: Maxim Vengerov ~ Dvorák, Elgar

Compares well to the best version

Larry VanDeSande | Mason, Michigan United States | 11/11/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Compared to the gold standard in the Dvorak -- the 1961 stereo recording by violinist Josef Suk and Karel Ancerl leading the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra -- this recording stacks up very well. In fact, the timings on each movement of Vengerov's concert recording in New York are within 20 seconds of those from the Suk recording three and one-half decades earlier, indicating the master recording served as the basis for this work, recorded in Avery Fisher Hall in 1997.



Verngerov, a clone of the late David Oistrakh, displays his ample romantic warmth during this romantic music while he keeps vibrato and extracurricular activities in check. His tone is universally warm and smooth, never grating or searing, and his attachment to the music is always direct. Masur and the New York Philharmonic support him well even though Masure keeps a tight reign on the orchestra, never allowing a solo instrument too much freedom within the scope of the accompaniment.



The dramatic Elgar sonata, recorded in studio with pianist Revital Chachamov in 1995, is an added bonus that make an appropriate coupling in my opinion. I'd rather have heard Vengerov take on a smaller scale and less well known concerto as match, perhaps the Martinu Concerto No. 2, that would have made this CD a more complete entity. The chamber music, which is played well and tastefully done, seems more like an add-on than a thougtfully considered partner.



Since most people will buy this for the Dvorak, the CD provides good value in a modern three dimensional recording that betters the Suk-Ancerl recording. Fans of Dvorak or Vengerov won't go wrong adding this performance to their collections."

A hugely enjoyable release

Vincent Lau | 01/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a hugely enjoyable release! Vengerov's magnificent performance in the Dvorak concerto (recorded "live" in New York's Avery Fisher Hall) not only exhibits technical assurance as well as Slavonic passion and wit, the playing is also imbued with a sense of nobility and charm. His violin tone, which this reviewer finds slightly acidic in his award-winning Shostakovich/Prokofiev releases (not, however, inappropriate for those pieces), seems to be more beautiful here than in elsewhere with the half-lit tone in the slow movement exceptionally ravishing. The New York Philharmonic under the direction of Kurt Masur provides firm and tonally-luscious support. Such is quality and eloquence of the performance that this reviewer is compelled to appraise this work afresh after listening to it. If the Dvorak is magnificent, the Elgar sonata is heavenly! In this studio recording, everything is in ideal balance and the symbiotic partnership of Vengerov and Chachamov strikes sparks off each other throughout the performance. In fact, there is absolutely nothing that can be carped at in this glorious account, which catches to perfection the many moods of this fine work. This fine pair of musicians also have keen regard to the structure of the piece, which actually enhances the impact of their performance. In addition, the more agitated sections possess white-heat intensity and drama whereby the listener is drawn into the musical and emotional vortex conjured up by the performers while the more melancholic passages are baptized by a sort of inner strength and sublimity of utterance. And everything is achieved in a most spontaneous but heart-felt manner. In short, a transcendental and thrilling performance!This must surely rank as one of the most inspiring violin recordings that have come out in recent years. Don't miss it!"