I realized that it will neve become a favorite piece of mine. But one large problem for me is that an interpretive tradition dominates that I really dislike, namely sluggish tempi and and/or sugary playing (and unfortunately Mutter/Karajan are main exponents of both). Sure, there are a few that are different, such as Huberman, Heifetz and some HIP (influenced) recordings but even they cannot completely break the mold (e.g. the slow movement is still too slow even at the rare 7-8 min. performances). My favorites are probably Zehetmair/Brüggen, Tetzlaff/Gielen and Heifetz (Toscanini or Munch).
Schneiderhan/van Kempen might also almost be in that camp (it's a bit more "centrist") but I got rid of that Masters Box with Schneiderhan because I don't like his thin and wiry tone (maybe the fault of the recordings, even worse sound is also a problem with the older Heifetz or Huberman/Szell).
I realize that this performance gets the full Karajan treatment, inclusieve slow tempi, but Mutters playing is still fresh, be it polished in the sweet sugary mould that Karajan is famed for. I like his Bruckner Symphony cycle, all his Beethoven symphonies from the early recordings to the last, Sibelius is a treat too, etc etc.
So I accept his view and in the aforementioned recordings, cherish it.
It's actually the fabulous technique and concentration Mutter is producing that has me hooked. Super romantic, detailed, just listen to the G major part in the first movement, just fabulous how she gets this tone sweet yet absolutely clear. And many more such moments, if I read through the score.
My top performance of this violin concerto would be: Christian Tetzlaff (violin), with the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, David Zinman, on Arte Nova 82876 76994 2, which I bought back in March 2006.
