Search - De Vio, Prihoda, Etc :: Art of the Violin 2: Brahms & Dvorak Cti

Phenomenal Performances

Jeffrey Lipscomb | Sacramento, CA United States | 05/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This out of print CD from A Classical Record contains absolutely PHENOMENAL performances of two violin concertos. The Brahms is with Gioconda de Vito (1941) and the Dvorak is performed by Vasa Prihoda (1943). Both are conducted by Paul van Kempen with the Berlin State Opera Orchestra.



De Vito (1907-1994) was one of the last century's greatest violinists. This is the earliest of three accounts she recorded of the Brahms: there was also a 1952 studio recording, with the Philharmonia conducted by Rudolf Schwarz, and a "live" 1952 concert reading with Furtwangler and the Turin Radio Orchestra (the latter was once on a Rococo LP, coupled with a "live" Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the same forces). I was fortunate to purchase an 11-LP "Art of Gioconda de Vito" set on Japanese EMI back around 1978, which contains her Brahms with Schwarz. That set cost $80 new. Recently a copy was offered at EBay for $900! Needless to say, de Vito has become something of a cult figure, particularly in Japan.



This 1941 recording of the Brahms concerto captures de Vito's dark, burnished, almost viola-like tone beautifully. She and Kempen deliver a wonderfully lyrical and relaxed account. I feel this is one of the all-time GREAT readings. I just reviewed the Martzy/Kletzki recording on a Testament CD - it's another magnificent reading. Please see my review for some comparisons.



I have already reviewed this stellar Dvorak Violin Concerto in its CD incarnation on the Symposium label, so I'll be brief here. The sound on THIS CD is generally superior to Symposium's (but that CD is essential for the marvelous short pieces not included here). Prihoda (1900-1960) was a violin virtuoso at the Heifetz level of proficiency - but with far more heart and charm. Hearing this fabulous account once again, I think I could live with it as my ONLY version.



Highest recommendation! This CD contains two of the greatest violin concerto performances ever recorded."