Search - Bela Bartok, Zubin Mehta, Berliner Philharmonic Orchestra :: Bartok - Violin Concertos No.1 & No.2 / Midori, Berlin Phil., Mehta

Refined performances

Gilbert Chang (vio1025@mail.ethome. | 01/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unlike many players who display the violence, ruggedness, aggressiveness, masculinity and brutality of the Bartok concertos, Midori reveals their BEAUTY in a uniquely feminine way. The slow movt. of the 1st cto. is simply rapt and ethereal. In the fast movts., Midori's playing is never lacking in vigor and contrast, but never sounding rough and scratchy either. Only in the third movt. of the 2nd cto., I think, could she have been more forceful.Needless to say, Mehta and the Berlin Philharmonic are excellent."

Midori Needs to Live With It

s_molman | CT United States | 01/11/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Her lack of experience, both musically and in life, shows in this recording. It lacks individuality and drama and the essential edges that Bartok requires. If you want a more moderate approach to the Bartok 2, try the recent Shaham with Boulez. But Mutter is still my favorite."

Crystal-Clear Bartok

Gilbert Chang (vio1025@mail.ethome. | 11/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Midori's Bartok No.1 & 2 are extremely unique. Her expression achieved the amazing clarity and the inner depth of both concertos. Most of violinists tend to emphasize on the darkness of the piece and make it sound heavy. Midori was not confused at all, and captured both concertos in another level. The razor sharp quality of the concertos is worth listening."