Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Pinchas Zukerman, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra :: Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 4 & 5

Second generation recording same as first but cheaper

Larry VanDeSande | Mason, Michigan United States | 12/20/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"You shouldn't have high expectations for a classical CD that lists at $6.98. If that's your approach to this one you won't be disappointed.



Zukerman is, of course, one of the handful of most significant violinists before the public today. He plays in what now must be considered an old fashioned way -- with strong vibrato and meaty tone, eschewing the period performance methodology of lean tone, wiry sound, clipped phrasing and fast starts and stops. Zukerman's work is altogether more melodic and fluent than the period crowd. His final movement on Concerto No. 4 begins more slowly than anyone else and is, to my mind, more effective.



However, he does not acquit himself nearly as well as a conducter in this recording. His accompanying group, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, play as is half asleep and their sound is, to put it mildly, awful. The blame for this half effort must rest with Zukerman, who conducted the orchestra.



So you get half a loaf for half the price with this CD. If that's what you're looking for you'll be happy."