Search - Antonin Dvorak, violin Isaac Stern, cello Leonard Rose :: Dvorak: Violin Concerto / Cello Concerto

Great Coupling

kv581 | Durham, NC United States | 04/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great CD. Two great Dvorak concertos paired on a single CD. The Violin Concerto is the less popular of the two works, but Stern plays it with much lyricism that makes one wonder the relative unpopularity associated with this piece. Like many of Dvorak's works, the Violin Concerto boasts of some really memorable melodies. The Cello Concerto, on the other hand, is a really popular piece of music. Many artists have recorded it before, including big-names like Du Pré, Ma, and Casals. Rose's style is similar to that of Yo-Yo Ma in that his interpretation lies on the safer classical side. Thus, this particular performance is probably not for die-hard Du Pré fans who enjoy her fiery, passionate style. Still, this music is no Elgar, and Du Pré's interpretation may not be the most appropriate. Make this CD your first in these two works. It offers safe yet satisfying performances at a budget price."

Ah, for the good old days

John K. Gayley | Physically in Wilmette, IL; Mentally in Siena, Ita | 03/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I grew up on these recordings of the two concerti in question, salvaged from a moving van company's warehouse in the plains of Illinois. They represent Eugene Ormandy, conducting in his prime, with two of the greatest soloists of the 60s, if not ever. Leonard Rose's rendition of the 'cello concerto has always stood the test of time as one of the sweetest, most lyrical accounts on record. And Stern was absolutely at the apex of his form in the early '60s when this version of the violin concerto was recorded. The recorded sound, while slightly aged, is still very natural and lifelike. The orchestral tutti are constrained a bit at the top, but details come through remarkably well otherwise. And the price simply cannot be beaten for 70+ minutes of music. It makes this bit of American heritage darn near irresistable. Bravo to Sony!!"

Excellent Performances

Octavius | United States | 10/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great CD containing two of Dvorak's more famous pieces: his violin and cello concertos. The performances are impeccable and include the talents of Isaac Stern for violin and Leonard Rose for cello. Eugene Ormandy is a reputed conductor and directs the pieces here quite well. The sound quality is excellent for ADD and the CD is relatively cheap for the quality of the performances. This is a great buy."