Alban Berg's Violin Concerto

[mjwal]

Yes, definitely in your own subjective view. You may hate Mutter, but her recording with Levine is definitely the best performance I've heard of this concerto. Never have I heard such a great balance between soloist and orchestra in a recording of this concerto. Absolutely BRILLIANT performance!!! And I'm certainly not the only one who feels this way.

All right already. I think you had said that before. The "I'm not the only one" strain is rather defiant in a manner I have encountered in other contexts - unpromising. And the snarky later remark "I think for anyone to dismiss this recording because they don't like Mutter is simply missing the point" is pretty cheap. I don't like the performance, fruity as it undoubtedly is. Get over it.

[Mirror Image]

All right already. I think you had said that before. The "I'm not the only one" strain is rather defiant in a manner I have encountered in other contexts - unpromising. And the snarky later remark "I think for anyone to dismiss this recording because they don't like Mutter is simply missing the point" is pretty cheap. I don't like the performance, fruity as it undoubtedly is. Get over it.

You definitely need to get your ears checked, because the Mutter/Levine is an awe-inspiring performance full everything that makes this concerto work: passion, drama, intellectual curiosity, and deeply devoted musicians.

Yeah, I definitely think you're missing the point and haven't devoted enough time into understanding the work and figuring out what works and doesn't work.

I don't care if you like the performance or not, but to dismiss out-of-hand is totally ignorant on your part, especially given the fact that for many people this is the reference recording of this work.

All of this said, you're the one who needs to "get over it."

[DavidRoss]

The point has been made and repeated often that some persons think Mutter/Levine is the bee's knees and further claim that those who don't agree are morons.  Understood.  Can we move on? 

[Mirror Image]

The point has been made and repeated often that some persons think Mutter/Levine is the bee's knees and further claim that those who don't agree are morons.  Understood.  Can we move on? 

I don't think anybody is a moron. I'm not a particularly big fan of Mutter either and find her, in most cases, to be quite harsh, unsympathetic, uncharismatic, and selfish in her performances. But there's just something magical about that Berg recording she made with Levine. It's almost as if she's not serving herself and is digging more into the music. Levine's accompaniment is also sublime.

Yes, we can move on. I respect that people don't like this recording, but I was just curious to find out why. Whatever the case may be, there is one thing we all can agree on: the Berg Violin Concerto is a fine work.

[DavidRoss]

there is one thing we all can agree on: the Berg Violin Concerto is a fine work.

So far this week I've already baited porn addicts, Wagnerites, Boulez worshippers, socialists, communists, fascists, Brits, and would-be prophets, so although I appreciate you serving this one up so nicely, I think I'll pass. and just wish everyone a lovely weekend!

[karlhenning]

Woot!

[jhar26]

I don't think anybody is a moron. I'm not a particularly big fan of Mutter either and find her, in most cases, to be quite harsh, unsympathetic, uncharismatic, and selfish in her performances. But there's just something magical about that Berg recording she made with Levine. It's almost as if she's not serving herself and is digging more into the music. Levine's accompaniment is also sublime.

Have you heard Mutter's recording of Lutoslawski's "Chain 2" and "Partita"? I think it's amazing and I think you'd like it as well.

[Mirror Image]

Have you heard Mutter's recording of Lutoslawski's "Chain 2" and "Partita"? I think it's amazing and I think you'd like it as well.

I have not, jhar26. I have definitely heard of it, but just haven't heard it yet. Perhaps this will be next on my list? Thanks for the recommendation.

[Daverz]

Just heads up that Grumiaux's recording with Markevitch is now on Australian Eloquence:

[Sid]

Have you heard Mutter's recording of Lutoslawski's "Chain 2" and "Partita"? I think it's amazing and I think you'd like it as well.

Yes, these are great works. I have the Naxos recording of the Partita (violin & piano version). Lutoslawski used quite a bit of atonality, but he is usually very approachable and pretty middle of the road. His individuality reminds me of composers like Janacek or Messiaen, having his own unique style but still very much in tune with the musical developments that were happening around him.