Search - Johannes Brahms, Alfred Wallenstein, Fritz Reiner :: Brahms: Violin Concerto; Double Concerto

Supremely gratifying

Jeffrey Lee | Asheville area, NC USA | 12/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the most satisfying combinations of classical performances on any currently or previously available cd. For many years I have owned and thoroughly enjoyed the original shaded dog and Soria series lps respectively of this Brahms Violin and Double Concerto. I have never agreed with those who have criticized Heifetz for being a "cold" violinist. I'll admit that there are times when he can be abrupt but I wouldn't categorize him as being characteristically unemotional. As for this Brahms Violin Concerto with Reiner, I've always considered it to be one of the finest ever committed to disc---a patrician performance combining technical excellence with a wonderful musical presence. I continue to enjoy the Double Concerto with Piatigorsky even more, essentially because both soloists display an engaging instrumental interplay replete with moments of sweep, reflectiveness and autumnal glow. And no, I do not agree with those who feel conductor Wallenstein offers mediocre support. Rather, he provides an orchestral backdrop that very nicely complements both violinist and cellist. To this day, I have never heard a better Brahms Double (though I've also liked Schneiderhan/Starker/Fricsay and Szeryng/Starker/Haitink). These are marvelous works, featuring two of the finest musicians of the "Golden era". Treat yourself or someone else who is likely to appreciate this special offering."

Flawless!

Wolfgang Jaeger | Pleasant Grove, UT USA | 01/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have had heard this piece performed many times and by many different violinists (Stern, Zukerman, Perlman, Oistrakh, Milstein, Shaham, Mintz) and to say only that Heifetz is the best is to understate the truth by a degree that is so large that it is insulting. Had Brahms known to what unapproachable level Heifetz would play his only violin concerto, he would have devoted it to Heifetz and not Joachim!

You will not find another recording that has so much passion or power. Not for a single moment does Heifetz let you forget that Brahms indicated that the soloist is to play "con fuoco.""

I love this CD.

Amateur Listener | 12/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My qualifications as a listener are so modest that I comment only reluctantly on this CD. I received it as a gift a few years ago and am about to buy it as a gift for others. Prior to hearing it, I had a lukewarm appreciation for Brahms. But Heifetz and Piatigorsky play the violin and double concertos so movingly that I now want to hear more Brahms whenever the opportunity presents itself. Brahms, in the violin concerto's slow movement, starting with the oboe and transitioning to the violin, enlivens my inner melancholy, if that were possible, more than any other composer except Bach. I have a few hundred Baroque / Classical / Romantic CDs, and this CD is one of the best."