Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64: 1. Allegro molto appassionato
Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64: 2. Andante
Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64: 3. Allegretto non troppo - Allegro molto vivace
Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26: 1. Vorspiel. Allegro moderato
Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26: 2. Adagio
Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26: 3. Finale. Allegro energico
Midori is a grown-up and is no longer being judged by--and for--her age, and for those who aren't aware of it, she has become, quite simply, a great violinist. These two concerti--such favorites that each is represented by... more » almost two dozen available recordings--are wonderfully played here. The gorgeous opening melody of the Mendelssohn sets the tone; the sweetness Midori gets from her violin is instantly captivating. The middle movement avoids sentimentality while remaining songful and the finale is light and airy, with the bow seemingly barely touching the strings. The Bruch opens with just the right dark, introverted mystery (such a different mood from the end of the Mendelssohn that you may want to pause a moment before beginning it!), the central Adagio is sheer poetry and the finale brilliantly sparkling without a hint of "look-at-me" arrogance. The live recordings are vivid and the audience clearly brings out the best in both soloist and orchestra, all under the caring, balanced eye of Mariss Jansons. This is now the preferred versions of these concerti on discs. --Robert Levine« less
Midori is a grown-up and is no longer being judged by--and for--her age, and for those who aren't aware of it, she has become, quite simply, a great violinist. These two concerti--such favorites that each is represented by almost two dozen available recordings--are wonderfully played here. The gorgeous opening melody of the Mendelssohn sets the tone; the sweetness Midori gets from her violin is instantly captivating. The middle movement avoids sentimentality while remaining songful and the finale is light and airy, with the bow seemingly barely touching the strings. The Bruch opens with just the right dark, introverted mystery (such a different mood from the end of the Mendelssohn that you may want to pause a moment before beginning it!), the central Adagio is sheer poetry and the finale brilliantly sparkling without a hint of "look-at-me" arrogance. The live recordings are vivid and the audience clearly brings out the best in both soloist and orchestra, all under the caring, balanced eye of Mariss Jansons. This is now the preferred versions of these concerti on discs. --Robert Levine
"This is an amazing CD, replete with two exceptional live performances with Midori as soloist, at the Berlin Philharmonic's concert hall. Never have I heard Midori play the violin with such sweet lyricism and technical aplomb than on this fine CD. Her captivating performance of the Mendelssohn violin concerto is quite simply the best of the recent crop of recordings I've heard. And the somber, darker tone of the first Bruch violin concerto is successfully dramaticized by Midori's playing. What a joy is it to hear Midori offering spellbinding performances of both concertos. Mariss Jansons leads the Berlin Philharmonic in two splendid performances of both concerti, replete with vibrant playing from the winds, brass and strings. Sony's engineers have done as fine a job as their EMI counterparts in their recent recording of the Grieg and Schumann piano concertos with Leif Andsnes as soloist and Jansons conducting the Berlin Philharmonic. Fans of Midori and the Berlin Philharmonic will be delighted with this CD."
Extraordinary live performances
Rose Vines | 09/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a joy this CD is. Midori delivers stunning performances of both the Mendelssohn and the Bruch: Individual, but not gratingly idiosyncratic; lyrical; and with a delicious range of tone and emotion. The orchestra's sound is a trifle dull in places, but mostly superb. Even if you already have half a dozen versions of these concerti in your library, this disc is a must-have addition. And if you're new to Midori or to either of the works, you couldn't buy a better first CD."
Simply Beautiful.
James M. Tierney | Palatine, IL United States | 02/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Being newly retired (and enjoying every day of it) and now getting back into the enjoyment of classical music, I caught this Midori/Berlin Philharmonic Bruch Concerto recording being played on our local (Chicago area) classical fine arts radio station, WFMT, while out driving and, when I arrived at my destination, couldn't leave my car until this was finished playing. Not having a single CD of Midori in my collection, I have to agree with the other reviewer that this is the perfect one to start with. I ordered it as soon as I got back home, when the several stores I stopped at didn't have it, and can't wait to play it on my system when it arrives. I'm sure I'll be playing it quite often. This is surely a piece that the more you listen, the more you hear. The recording mike had to be positioned right at the point of the bow touching the strings to capture the superb sound of the bow and strings quivvering. Such power! Such delicacy! Simply a beautiful structured recording. Love it."
The best Mendelssohn and Bruch in years
A Classical Fan | New York, NY USA | 05/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Though I own many recordings of these concerti, this disc is so-wonderfully addictive that I listened to it over and over.
Midori sounds miraculous throughout in both concerti.
Her Mendelssohn is graceful and exciting with great range of dynamic and colour. The music flows and grows so naturally with many breath-taking moments.
She gives a dramatic yet introspective performance of Bruch. The slow movement is given an extra depth by her impossibly delicate tone and phrasing.
Berlin Philharmonic and Jansons also gave an impeccable performance here. The sound of Berlin Philharmonic's string is gorgeous as ever and Jansons makes wonderful music with midori in perfect pitch.
A definitive disc."
Very Powerful & Compelling-DEFINATE MUST HAVE CD
MR WT MAKHATHINI | Durban, South Africa | 07/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I listened to this CD at my local shop & I was left dumb founded & amazed at the spell Midori cast on my mind. Her renditions are powerful and the ochestra is at equal as well at the same time allowing her to be visible as soloist.Both performances were done live at different venues.Experience & wisdom has taught me to purchase anything with Midori's name. Ofcourse it does not mean that everything she does is perfect there;s someone out there alwaz wanting to do better.The trade is her expressive,top notch lyrical tonality and putting the right notes at the right time.The audience is awed to with appluads in disbelief at such wonderful performance. The only contender for this CD is Maxim vengerov's renditions but I opted for Midori because of her unmatchable skills,live recording,past CD's eg Encore & French Violin Sonatas. If u own some of these readings then U must add this one for your collection."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1
