Search - Bloch, Totenberg, Golschmann :: Violin Concerto 3

Lovingly done

11/12/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Bloch with Totenberg and Goschmann somehow manages to go to the core of the listener without the maudlin moments of Menuhin and Kletzki (1960), or the unbelievable sloppiness of Szygeti and Munch (1938). It is a major work, not heard enough, but a bear to interpret effectively. Totenberg affects us deeply by not trying to affect us deeply. He was an honest and effective artist, too much forgotten. He couldn't have asked for a better collaborator than the estimable Goslchmann, one of this century's greatest proponents of new music. We've forgotten about him, too.The Bartok, another lovely work, gets a reading very much like what Andre Gertler gave us on an old Crossroads/Supraphon release, but gives it to us in better sound.It's also good to have the old Hartford issue of the Jewish Poems back, too. All the Hartford's old issues under Mahler were very musical, very worthwhile, and this is one of the best. Many thanks to Vanguard for having the vision to reissue these performances!"

Totenberg is Underrated

Hai Ming Chou | Taiwan | 12/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was fortunate to take numbers of lessons from Mr. Totenberg some time ago. His reading of the Bloch was sincere, moving, and technique-brillant. I think this is one of his best recordings and is at the same league with other big name violinists. Strongly recommended, you won't be disappointed."