Search - Sergey Prokofiev, Andre Previn, London Symphony Orchestra :: Prokofiev: Violin Concertos 1 & 2; Sonata for Solo Violin

Recommended, but not a first choice

Amberyl | Washington DC | 01/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Shaham brings his customary good-natured, sweet-voiced interpretations to the two violin concertos of Prokofiev. He is technically impeccable (though there are a few, like Dmitri Sitkovetsky, who are able to bring even greater clarity to the passagework), and musically astute. Those for whom Shaham is a first choice in violinists, and are seeking a recording of these concertos, can purchase this CD without second thoughts. However, for others, this CD should not be a first choice in this repertoire, unless one has their heart set on buying this specific repertoire on a single disc.The first concerto, alternatively lyrical and demonic, is probably best served on modern recordings by Maxim Vengerov, who also has the advantage of superb accompaniment at the hands of Rostropovich; Vengerov brings fire and passion to the concerto, at the expense of some clarity. Cho-Liang Lin and D. Sitkovetsky, both (like Shaham) former Dorothy Delay pupils, interpret this concerto in a way quite similar to Shaham's, and are also reasonable alternatives (Sitkovetsky's in particular for its sterling clarity and super-budget price). However, there are three very fine historical recordings that trump the modern ones. One is Nathan Milstein's studio recording (there's also a broadcast recording, interpretively quite similar, but the performance is marred by some noticeable moments of the soloist being lagged by the orchestra); Milstein brings his usual grace and sense of classical proportion to the work, in a recording which is probably a first choice. Another is David Oistrakh's recording; Oistrakh was a champion of this concerto, and he plays what is probably the most identifiably "Russian" interpretation. The final recording is Joseph Szigeti's, interpretively quite distinct from anything else on record and well worth listening to.In the second concerto, the competition is stiffer -- most of the major violinists of the 20th century recorded this work. Milstein must be mentioned again. Heifetz, too, brings his considerable virtuosity to this concerto (he did not, unfortunately, record the first). Shaham's lyrical playing serves him particularly well in the second movement of this concerto, though.The inclusion of the solo sonata is a nice bonus, but probably shouldn't influence your purchasing decision much."

Strongly Recommended, But Is It Definitive?

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 03/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Without question, Gil Shaham is one of our finest young violinists. Here he plays with his usual lyrical sweetness and splendid technical skill. Yet I concur with a previous reviewer that the finest recent recording of Prokofiev's 1st violin concerto is Maxim Vengerov's, since he demonstrates far more passion than Shaham (Vengerov's performance of the 2nd violin concerto is almost as fine.). Unfortunately, both performances are on two separate Teldec recordings with Rostropovich conducting the London Symphony Orchestra, so Shaham's interpretations might be preferable to those interested in getting both concerti on one CD. Speaking of conducting, Previn shows he is an admirable accompanist to Shaham, and is as astute interpreter of Prokofiev's music as Rostropovich. The sound quality is absolutely superb; it's slightly better than the Vengerov/Rostropovich Teldec CDs."

Excellent recording by a contemporary violinists

Nabih B. Bulos | Baltimore, MD USA | 06/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I personally dislike discussions on whether one recording is definitive or not, this question is an apt one in this case. Would this CD be on my desert-island-pack (where I can only have 5... hmm... alright ten CD's)? Well, it would be in the running for these concertos in terms of a contemporary rendition, but I would still have to opt for the usual suspects (Oistrakh, Milstein, Szigeti, etc...).
This brings us to another aspect of Mr. Shaham's playing: Although it is beautiful and technically impeccable fiddling, his playing does not have the distinctive mark that violinists of the past did. It is unfair to single out Mr. Shaham with this accusation, as it can be leveled at almost any violinist alive, but since Gil Shaham is considered the scion of violinists these days, I suppose more is expected of him. What it boils down to is that I will always go to his recordings if I want technically perfect, if occasionally soulfully devoid playing, such that I can form my own opinions of the piece without being burdened by too personal an intepretation.
Nonetheless, this CD rates 5 stars for its clarity, beauty, and the inclusion of the oft-maligned Solo Sonata."