"I have to admit that in this recording Yehudi is not as sharp as he is in earlier ones, but the fine-tuned expressiveness has not been lost. I would buy this cd simply for the Bruch Violin Concerto, if nothing else, which is a dangerous undertaking to listen to at all, as one is liable to forget to breathe. The Brahms is definitely worth finding a different recording of, however, the 1949 EMI classics is much better.
The most important thing to remember about this album, however, is that Menuhin has never been, and never claimed to be, the best technical player ever. It is his unique interpretation and earnestness that people really fall in love with, and that, he still has."
A comment about the Brahms
RaleighObserver | Eastern USA | 06/26/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This recording of the Brahms concerto is one Menuhin made later in life. It is almost painful to listen to. Menuhin has technical problems and sound like he's working very hard in passages where the music should flow easily -- and does flow easily in his earlier recording with Furtwangler. Only occasionally does the passionate artist rise out of the challenged technician and take my breath away -- a passage here and there, but not enough to make it a worthwhile experience. For this particular work, as well as for the Beethoven, I strongly recommend getting EMI's release of the early 1950's Menuhin/Furtwangler performances -- soul-searching, fluid, inventive, and awe-inspiring."
Great
bach's cellist | newyork newyork | 04/07/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Yehudi played the d major violin concerto so beautiful. The rondo was my favorite, the pause in the begging before jumping into the higher octaves honestly made me cry. This is truley the best recording im my perspective. we will really miss this great musician rest in peace."
The Brilliance of Menuhin
S. D Slack | Chattanooga, TN | 04/01/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This CD was the first I ever heard of the great Menuhin. It was right when I first started listening to violin music. At first I didn't like it. In parts of the Beethoven and Mendelssohn
Menuhin used very wide vibrato and tended to sound out of tune. I returned it to my local library. About sixth months later I deceide to give it another go. Since my taste had matured I loved this CD. HE didn't play out tune at all and his tone is beautiful. The more I listen to Menuhin the more I love him."