Search - Beethoven, Neveu, Rosbaud :: Concerto D Major / Symphony 8 in F Major

The Legend of Ginette Neveu

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 03/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Violinist Ginette Neveu's tragic death in an airplane crash at the age of 30 robbed the world of a great artist in her prime. She left us with a scant few, yet memorable, studio recordings, in particular of the Brahms and Sibelius Concertos, which are available on CD on the Dutton label. This Hanssler Classic title featuring the Beethoven Violin Concerto, with Hans Rosbaud and the SWR Symphony Orchestra of Baden-Baden, made only a month before Neveu's death, is every bit the equal of the more celebrated Duttons. The sound is glorious, considering it is from 1949, and Neveu's playing is wonderful. Conductor Hans Rosbaud, who is sadly underrepresented on CD as well, provides ample support on the Concerto, then takes the spotlight himself on a 1961 account of Beethoven's 8th Symphony. This CD is aimed at serious collectors, but it will certainly appeal to casual fans curious about the Neveu legend."