Disapointing recording.
The recording has some hiss, which is to be expected as the master was recorded around 1930, but there is horrific distortion at the climaxes in the music which is not acceptable. I hoped this recording would have been acceptable; EMI and their Great Recordings of the Century cds are normally economical and musical, but this album is not good. This recording was conducted by the composer, but the orchestra is less than adequate; for example, the violins are sliding into pitches almost constantly through the variations, particularly Nimrod. The effect is, to me, nauseating. There are much better recordings of these pieces to order, unless perhaps, you are purchasing it for historical reasons (Elgar conducting) or for the solo violinist.
Historical Document
When I say ancient I mean late 20s and early 30s. Before you buy this, be sure that you realize that this recording is absolutely ancient. There are many advantages to having this recording, the most notable of which is that Sir Elgar himself directs the orchestra. There's something magical about hearing a piece conducted by the composer. The only drawback is that the recording is from the 20s and 30s. Therefore, the recording is not very high quality and some of the nuances of the music can get lost. If you're looking for historical documentation, this recording is elsewhere. Otherwise, it will behoove you to find a more modern recording if you simply want to enjoy the music.
Stunning
If there's a romantic concerto in the repertoire that could really be mishandled by a young player, it would be this one - but somehow Menuhin, even at that age, has managed to express the poignancy and nostalgia of the music better than anyone ever has. The solo playing has so much depth to it, I really can't believe it's a sixteen year old playing. Of course, the disc is not without flaws. As has been noted, you can hear the squeaking and junk from the transfer, and there are some absolutely horrendous errors in ensemble between soloist and orchestra. I've heard one of Kennedy's recordings and also Perlman's. For the most part, Perlman generally doesn't get a character that I really like, and the slow tempo in Kennedy's last movement kind of bothers me. I've also heard Shaham do this concerto live on radio with Cleveland Orchestra I believe, and it was really great. Someone should convince him to commit it to CD.
Simply Menuhin
This Menuhin version conducted by Edward Elgar, is simply pure. I heard twice in my life this concert, I liked so much, specially because has serenity and peace. I heard the last records of Menuhin, but I never heard him in his first years, simply I don't cry because . . . you know, but in some cirscustance of my life if I would heard the Munuhin Solo, simply I could not resist,his natural sound, his phrasing, the solo in the third movement has a sense of nostalgy, with a beautiful vibrato, sorry for the others big masters, but this "carisma" only Sir Yehudi Menuhi. He really was a natural prodigy with a big carisma, if you don't believe me heard him. If not buy the DVD about him, and pay attention to the solo, while he stay with his "Mamina". Buy it you really enjoy. And my respects to Yehudi Menihin, a wonderful violinist of the 20th century.
5 stars, but not for the casual listener.
This is not for the casual listener who wants to sit back and enjoy a great violin concerto. If you do not have the Elgar concerto already, do not make this your one and only choice. If you want to do that, choose Kennedy/Rattle/CBSO on EMI which is simply fantastic. If you do decide to choose this historical document for your second or third recording of this piece for novelty and comparison, choose the Naxos label. They have the same recording for half the price so you won't be as upset just in case you can't stand the sound. Part of the notes for my Naxos copy states. " The present transfers were made from pre-war U. S. Victor sets, (the Elgar from a "Z" shellac pressing). The squeaking noises which can be heard on some portions of the Elgar are on the original masters. " They are not kidding, you hear alot of junk in this recording and it is not for the sensitive listener. While Naxos does not sell direct, you may visit naxos. com for more information. From naxos. com - "How can Naxos Historical release recordings made by other record companies? Is this piracy? Internationally, sound recordings are protected for 50 years from the date of publication (worldwide, except in the USA). That means, any recording published or released to the public before 1950 is now out of copyright, i. e. in the public domain. Broadcasts are considered published the day they are re-broadcast. In the United States, the situation is more complicated. There, sound recordings were not protected by copyright until 1972, but by a variety of state laws, including the rights of the artist's personality, unfair competition, and the like. There is nothing illegitimate in releasing out-of-copyright sound recordings the same way it is not illegitimate to release Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Mahler without paying mechanical copyright (a fee to the composer or his publisher for the use of the printed music) to their descendants or manufacturing a drug whose patent has expired.
You can see a complete list of all Edward Elgar discography, or go back to the Edward Elgar tabs
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