Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto

Boston Symphony Orchestra;
Munch, Charles;
Balsam, Artur;
Milstein, Nathan;
RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra;
Pinza, Ezio;
Fiedler, Arthur;
King, Gibner

8.111259

Nathan Milstein recorded the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto four times, but this earliest version, made fro RCA in1953, was never issued in Britain, only in the United States and France. It is the most commanding performance imaginable, with a flawless technique matching a deep concentration and warm expressiveness, with no exaggeration in its fresh directness. The pianissimo in the second subject of the first movement is breathtaking, defying the tendency of mono recordings of that period to iron out the dynamics.
The tonal contrasts are also beautifully caught, and the whole performance makes it feel as if one is hearing the work for the first time. The collection of encore pieces makes an attractive supplement, not least the two final items, Calm as the night by Böhm and None but the lonely heart by Tchaikovsky, when Milstein is joined by the great Italia bass, Ezio Pinza. • Penguin Guide, January 2009

CD

Muzyka klasyczna

Naxos

02-07-2007

747313325924