Search - Max Bruch, Antonin Dvorak, Claudio Abbado :: Bruch, Dvorák: Violin Concertos

Mintz is fine, but the real stars are the two orchestras

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 10/31/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"My attraction to this budget CD wasn't the violinist, Schlomo Mintz, but the two conductors and orchestras. That sounds odd, but the Dvorak Concerto in particular gives scope for a symphonic approach, and to hear Levine and the Berliners is a joy. Among his many gifts, Levine is a superb Dvorak conductor, and here he relishes the concerto's sweeling melodies and plush orchestration. Mintz is also in great form, sounding more relaxed and flexible than I've heard him before. The tempo in the finale is slowish, perhaps not the best idea in a work that lacks sizzle; otherwise, the interpretation offers no undue surprises.



The Bruch concerto features splendid orchestral work, also, from the Chicago Sym. and Abbado. They are in sympathy with Mintz, but whereas the Dvorak is a relative rarity, the Bruch is such a brass-plated warhorse that a great reading is called for. Mintz gives us a solid, sweet-toned, confident account -- no small thing -- and yet without his ravishing collaborators I wouldn't rate this performance among the best."