Search - David Oistrakh :: Oistrakh Edition

Perfect for both violin music novice and seasoned collector

02/15/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This set collects performances of various vintages and sonic quality from the former Soviet Meloydia label. Some of the performances are available elsewhere, and some have been bettered by the same artist under different conductors. However, the range and beauty of pieces and performance quality in this set is perhaps unparalleled, making it, in my opinion, the single most rewarding introduction to great 19th and 20th century violin reperatory currently available. To have in a single moderately-priced set the Brahms, Dvorak, Sibelius and Tchaikovsky concerti, along with the Bartok, Brahms, Franck and Shostakovich sonatas, is itself wonderful. But every single performance is among the best in the catalogue. The violinist Oistrakh's intelligence and emotive nature are on display everywhere. The partnership with the pianist RIchter on the two sonata CDs is remarkable. I remember the Brahms and Franck sonata performances from my early youth, and they still are moving and poignant beyond belief. If you have even the slightest curiosity about classical music for the violin and don't mind a little dated sound, do yourself a favor and snap up this set."

Fantastic

Nabih B. Bulos | Baltimore, MD USA | 07/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Perhaps the great accomplishment in playing an instrument is to play it naturally, as if it were like breathing. Few artists prove this point as well as Oistrakh, the Soviet Union's artist, a true symbol of the Russian's school of music's excellence. As some other reviewer said, this is a moment of true musical orgasm. As an aspiring violinist, hearing Oistrakh's effortless rendition of the Tchaikovsky brings one almost to tears before such greatness. Some may complain about his dated method, but I favor it above any other artist, and highly recommend his interpretation of both the Brahms and the Tchaikovsky. Considering the fact that people didn't walk out of his performance of the pieces while a bombing raid was going on (during WWII), the man's musical prowess is second to none. Of special attention is the Brahms Sonata in A Major with Richter, easily one of the purest performances of the piece."

Oistrakh (and Richter) Triumphant!

02/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Reviewer David Mednicoff is exactly right about this set. All the concerto performances are terrific, but the two discs of sonatas (Brahms #2 & 3; Frank; Shostakovich [the live world premiere] and Bartok) with Richter are really something else. Amazing."