Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, James Levine, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra :: Mozart: 5 Violin Concertos

Not as bad as the rating suggest...

kv581 | Durham, NC United States | 08/13/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ok these reviews are getting a little out of hand. I own both this recording and the Grumiaux/Davis/LSO recording. While the Grumiaux IS more enjoyable, I don't see much wrong with the Perlman. Perlman's take on these concertos is quite different from Grumiaux's; while Grumiaux goes for more of a detached aloofness, Perlman tries more romantic of an approach. I know, I know, Mozart isn't meant to be played romantic, but to these ears this interpretation is rather fresh. If you are going to choose one set, buy the Grumiaux. If you want an alternative interpretation, though, give this a try."

Not earth-shattering but very nice nonetheless

chefdevergue | Spokane, WA United States | 06/22/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As had been said before, Grumiaux' collection may be more satisfying, and Perlman may let his interpretations slide into Romanticism than is recommended, but does that merit a one or two-star rating? I hardly think so. While this may not be Perlman's greatest effort, it is nevertheless a consistently good collection of performances with a solid backing from Levine & the Vienna Philharmonic through & through. The reasonably good price on the CDs makes it a worthwhile addition to any collection, even though it won't be the first choice for purists.



For those purists who cannot abide Perlman & his romantic indiscretions, I would point out that he is far from the most egregious example of Romanticism run amok whilst playing Mozart, and in fact is remarkably restrained when compared to some who have rendered Mozart almost unrecognizable. Let's try to have some perspective here."

The Best Available

D. Garlington | Toronto, Ontario | 08/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording of the Mozart violin concertos is quite simply the best available. Although these pieces have been recorded many times, Mozart comes alive in this rendering by Perman and Levine in a way rarely,if ever, matched. By way of comparison, one may think of the earlier readings of Stern, Szeryng, and Oistrakh. The last mentioned are, in their own right, outstanding and will always remain within the repertoire. However, there is a suave and grace about Perlman's performance that sets it apart, not to mention the beautifully recorded sound by DG. Get it!"