Search - Antonin Dvorak, Josef [Composer] Suk, Charles Mackerras :: Dvorak / Suk: Music for Violin

Tasteful, balanced

09/17/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I found the Dvorak Concerto satisfying all around, and the third movement is the strongest rendition I've heard. Frank and Mackerras work as equal partners, smoothly shaping phrases and trading roles, together every step of the way. I thought the orchestra sounded fine. Dvorak didn't write tutti blowouts in this piece.You don't hear the Suk Fantasy every day, so I'm glad they recorded it. Although the difficulty of the solo part shows in a couple of spots, Frank delivers the goods in spirited fashion. If you like a hot-blooded romantic piece with a broad range of colors bright and dark, check this one out."

Mediocre orchestra playing degrades exquisite Dvorak

William Stern | 08/13/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Czech Philharmonic behind Pamela Frank frankly sounds more like an elementary school gig than a world renowned orchestra. The orchestra's only high point is the introduction, the only point in the entire concerto where some level of intensity is played. Pamela Frank's prodigic music-making is readily noticed with her passionate opening: declaring spot-on intonation from the start, she holds the listener spellbound, until the orchestra makes their next entrance. Disappointing would easily describe this CD, for the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra sorely affects the quality of the CD, and if it wasn't for Pamela Frank (whose technical skills are simply phenomenal) this CD would be a complete disaster."

A wonderful CD with exiting upbeat music that keeps

03/29/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Cd is wonderful and has a beautiful sound. It has a wonderful violinist and a great orchestra that keeps me listening to the same CD over and over again. Not many people would expect a 12 year old to be saying this about a classical Cd but this is by far one of the best pieces and one of the best violinist in the history of music."