Recordings That You Are Considering

[jlaurson]

Here are a couple of discs I'm considering:

Rochberg, Sy.5 



Rott, Sy.1

Yes to both. On Rochberg: http://www.weta.org/fmblog/?p=572

The Rott has several versions floating about; the Arte Nova is one of the three better ones I've heard--but there isn't a 'perfect' recording of the work out yet.

[Keemun]

Yes to both. On Rochberg: http://www.weta.org/fmblog/?p=572

The Rott has several versions floating about; the Arte Nova is one of the three better ones I've heard--but there isn't a 'perfect' recording of the work out yet.

Thanks, Jens!

[mc ukrneal]

I am in search of a Mendelssohn Violin Concerto disc, as it appears to be a hole in my collection, and I actually like the piece! So far, based on the limited snippets available, I have whittled the selection down to three:
1. Midori (seems universally liked and a 'safe' choice),
2. Heifitz/Munch (also universally acclaimed, though I worry that it may sound old), and
3. Hope (who appears to perform the original version, though quite similar as I understand it)

What do you think? I am not looking to get multiple recording (although it is possible I would pick up another in the future at some point), so I am looking for one that will bear repeated listening. The coupling could be a decision maker if I could get something I don't have (I have the Bruch, which is why the Hope had more interest than it might otherwise have gotten) and have most of the core violin concertos (except this one).

EDIT: I was also considering Perlman, Mutter, and Chang as well (simply, they were the next three). There appear to be many good recordings!

[SonicMan46]

I am in search of a Mendelssohn Violin Concerto disc,........................

Boy, I'm sure you'll receive plenty of recommendations and the 'paired' work may impact on your decision? 

For myself, I've had the Chung below (left) for years; more recently I wanted to obtain both of Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto and was lead (by George) to the other disc below (right), which also contained the violin concerto played by Stern - but just a few of many to contemplate  - good luck!

 

[Brian]

3. Hope (who appears to perform the original version, though quite similar as I understand it)

I really like Hope's version, but be warned that there is one substantial difference in the original version he plays: the first-movement cadenza is totally different. Everything else is very similar indeed, but if you like the cadenza you will want another recording. Also, the attached Octet is merely OK - it's balanced funny so Hope's first violin really dominates the sound picture. Better for the Octet are the Concertante Chamber Players or the Kodaly/Auer Quartets.

[kishnevi]

I am in search of a Mendelssohn Violin Concerto disc, as it appears to be a hole in my collection, and I actually like the piece! So far, based on the limited snippets available, I have whittled the selection down to three:
1. Midori (seems universally liked and a 'safe' choice),
2. Heifitz/Munch (also universally acclaimed, though I worry that it may sound old), and
3. Hope (who appears to perform the original version, though quite similar as I understand it)

What do you think? I am not looking to get multiple recording (although it is possible I would pick up another in the future at some point), so I am looking for one that will bear repeated listening. The coupling could be a decision maker if I could get something I don't have (I have the Bruch, which is why the Hope had more interest than it might otherwise have gotten) and have most of the core violin concertos (except this one).

EDIT: I was also considering Perlman, Mutter, and Chang as well (simply, they were the next three). There appear to be many good recordings!

It may come down to what else is on the disc.   I have, besides the Stern recording SonicMan posted,  Perlman (coupled with the Beethoven Concerto--there may be different couplings floating around), the Menuhin/Furtwangler (that one is mono) and Mullova/Gardiner discs that replicate the Perlman in content; Mutter (paired with chamber works, and at least in the version I have, a DVD that replicates the music on the CD);  Zuckerman (on the Bernstein Century series, so you know who conducts that one--it's paired with Symphony No. 4 and the Hebrides Overture); and Kavakos in a 2CD combo (priced the same as a single CD) that has the concerto on CD 1 and the piano trios on CD 2.

I'm pretty sure I don't have any more.  Of them all, there isn't one that I would say is a clear favorite over the others.

One of the very first records I owned as a kid was Zuckerman performing the Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky concertos; I don't remember who conducted [not Bernstein, so it's not the same recording I mentioned above], and I have no idea of what its current availability might be, but that recorded defined those two concertos for me from all the repeated playings I gave it.

[Daverz]

The one I find most satisfying is Campoli/Boult.

[rubio]

The one I find most satisfying is Campoli/Boult.

Yeah, that one is my favourite as well. But it's not for someone who craves modern sound.

[kishnevi]

Is this worth getting?


The original release was on Chandos, 1984.

The one complete set I already have is the Beaux Arts Trio.

Since it's Brilliant, the list price is $21.98 and even cheaper on Amazon.

[jlaurson]

Is this worth getting?


The original release was on Chandos, 1984.

The one complete set I already have is the Beaux Arts Trio.

Since it's Brilliant, the list price is $21.98 and even cheaper on Amazon.

I find that they (I've listened to two out of those four) add absolutely nothing to the Beaux Arts, much less to the Florestan (hyperion) recordings.
Not bad, mind you... just not all that special.

Edit: Actually, I have all four -- it's also part of the complete LvB Editions.  Goes to show how memorable the performances are. :-)

[jlaurson]

I am in search of a Mendelssohn Violin Concerto disc, as it appears to be a hole in my collection, and I actually like the piece! So far, based on the limited snippets available, I have whittled the selection down to three:
1. Midori (seems universally liked and a 'safe' choice),
2. Heifitz/Munch (also universally acclaimed, though I worry that it may sound old), and
3. Hope (who appears to perform the original version, though quite similar as I understand it)

What do you think? I am not looking to get multiple recording (although it is possible I would pick up another in the future at some point), so I am looking for one that will bear repeated listening. The coupling could be a decision maker if I could get something I don't have (I have the Bruch, which is why the Hope had more interest than it might otherwise have gotten) and have most of the core violin concertos (except this one).

EDIT: I was also considering Perlman, Mutter, and Chang as well (simply, they were the next three). There appear to be many good recordings!

1.) Three good choices... but I don't think Hope would be an ideal "first-and-only" choice. Different version and the playing, though blemish-free, isn't exactly out of this world.

2.) Heifetz is an old classic, and good enough... and the sound isn't so old that you should have to worry about it. But Heifetz, here as most everywhere else, is very much in "Heifetz-mode" (which is to say: virtuosity and speed trump expression), arguably at the expense of Mendelssohn here and there.

3.) That leaves Midori.

4.) If you still wanted choice, I'd replace Hope with Hahn on your list, whose Mendelssohn is very, very good. And Heifetz with late Milstein. (E.g. with Abbado.)

5.) If you don't mind mellifluous sweetness, then Mintz / Abbado (DG) are worth a hearing.

6.) My dark-horse recommendation would be Akiko Suwanai / Ashkenazy (Philips).

[Sergeant Rock]

Here are a couple of discs I'm considering:

I own Weigle, Davies and Segerstam. They are, to me, equally compelling and equally disappointing although in different ways. I agree with Jens:

the Arte Nova is one of the three better ones I've heard--but there isn't a 'perfect' recording of the work out yet.

If I had to choose one for the desert island it would probably be Weigle. By the way, Jens and I are hoping to hear the perfect Rott performance in Frankfurt this coming Friday...conducted by Paavo Järvi.

Sarge

[Sergeant Rock]

I am in search of a Mendelssohn Violin Concerto disc

For myself, I've had the Chung below (left) for years...

Me too. It's one of my long-time favorites and I'd recommend it. But the more recent Jansen/Chailly has slowly won me over.



The first movement is not quite as brilliant as many--being slower, more brooding--but I actually prefer that. The slow movement too has intense feeling while the music really explodes in the Finale...finally    The recording has apt pedigree too: the Gewandhaus being Mendelssohn's orchestra.

Unfortunately it's coupled with the traditional Bruch (although it is an exceptional performance, both by Jansen and the orchestra) but does have a Bruch rarity too in the short (8 minute) Romance for Viola and Orchestra Op.85. Maybe that could compensate for the Bruch duplication in your collection...if you choose the lovely Jansen.



Sarge

[prémont]

Sarge

If I told you, that I did not appreciate female beauty I would certainly be a liar. but this is irrelevant in a musical context. Now tell me Sarge, when you listen to a recording made by a beautiful young woman (Janine Jansen a good example), how much does your impression of her physical advantages actually influence your appreciation of her playing?

[DavidRoss]

I am in search of a Mendelssohn Violin Concerto disc, as it appears to be a hole in my collection, and I actually like the piece! So far, based on the limited snippets available, I have whittled the selection down to three:
1. Midori (seems universally liked and a 'safe' choice),
2. Heifitz/Munch (also universally acclaimed, though I worry that it may sound old), and
3. Hope (who appears to perform the original version, though quite similar as I understand it)

I actually like the piece, too--so much so, in fact, that after I'm done posting here I think I'll put on a recording, Hahn's, I think, as it really is quite lovely and I've not heard it in some while.  Also, the Shosty coupling is quite good.

I have most of those mentioned and like them all, the Hahn and Midori better than the Heifetz, and maybe the Mullova as well (with Gardiner, not Marriner)...though some time has passed since last hearing that, too.  I like the Hope quite a bit, too, though it's rather more punchy than sweet, and Mendy's sweetness is what gets me every time.  And though I love Suwanai, Ashkenazy and the Czechs are not quite up to the best of the competition, IMO.

[SonicMan46]

Sarge

If I told you, that I did not appreciate female beauty I would certainly be a liar. but this is irrelevant in a musical context. Now tell me Sarge, when you listen to a recording made by a beautiful young woman (Janine Jansen a good example), how much does your impression of her physical advantages actually influence your appreciation of her playing?

Premont - LOL!    I guess that I'm w/ Sarge - a beautiful 'talented' woman can certainly impact on a man's perception! 

I've taught radiology residents for over 30 yrs now - about a third of our residents are women, and I must say sitting next to a pretty female doctor is pleasant; plus, if she has the intelligence of the other residents (always true at my institution), then the attraction is even more appealing! OH, such a pity to be an older man; but OTOH, most of my female residents are already married, and they seem at this point in my life to between children and grandchildren - Dave 

[kishnevi]

I find that they (I've listened to two out of those four) add absolutely nothing to the Beaux Arts, much less to the Florestan (hyperion) recordings.
Not bad, mind you... just not all that special.

Edit: Actually, I have all four -- it's also part of the complete LvB Editions.  Goes to show how memorable the performances are. :-)

Too late! 
I took the plunge, aided by a 30 percent off coupon from Borders.  Listening to the first CD now.
And having taken the plunge, got home and figured out why the Beaux Arts set has five discs and this one has four.

IT SHOULD BE REALLY TITLED THE NOT REALLY COMPLETE PIANO TRIOS!

More details on the Purchases Today thread. 

However, for $16 it's still probably not a bad deal.

[George]

Premont - LOL!    I guess that I'm w/ Sarge - a beautiful 'talented' woman can certainly impact on a man's perception! 

I've taught radiology residents for over 30 yrs now - about a third of our residents are women, and I must say sitting next to a pretty female doctor is pleasant; plus, if she has the intelligence of the other residents (always true at my institution), then the attraction is even more appealing!

Right, but Sarge is talking aoout sitting next to a photo of a pretty classical artist. 

[SonicMan46]

Right, but Sarge is talking aoout sitting next to a photo of a pretty classical artist. 

George - talent is often in one's mind - an intelligent & cute woman is irresistible, at least to me!    Dave 

[George]

George - talent is often in one's mind - an intelligent & cute woman is irresistible, at least to me!    Dave

This is true. The mind creates everything.

Plus, that combination is something special indeed.