Search - Edouard Lalo, Jean Sibelius, Andre Previn :: RCA Victor Basic 100, Volume 70 - Sibelius: Violin Concerto/Lalo: Symphonie Epagnole

Decent but somewhat uneven collection

chefdevergue | Spokane, WA United States | 05/19/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a decent enough recording, part of RCA's inexpensive "Basic 100" collection (something of a beginner's introduction to classical music, I guess). For those looking for recording details, save your time, because the liner notes are pretty minimal.Suffice it to say that the Sibelius is not mature Perlman. If I am guessing right, this is a repackaging of Perlman's 1966 debut recording with Leinsdorf, and while the playing is youthful and vibrant, it also lacks some of the nuance and polish that comes with artistic maturity. The recording quality is a little uneven, also. The BSO accompaniment sounds downright muddy at times, and occasionally takes on a plodding quality. The microphone appears to have been rather close to Perlman, as it picks up some annoying bow work that normally you would not hear.The Lalo was recorded at a later date, I am not sure when. The playing is a little more mature, and the recording quality is definitely improved. The Lalo is a nice enough piece, but to me seems to be an odd pairing with a piece as intense as the Sibelius. I guess RCA was trying to fill out the mandatory 60 minutes promised on the CD, and this piece fit the bill.In any case, these are decent enough performances, and the price is certainly right. Just understand that what you are getting is young Perlman, not the more seasoned artist."

Itzakh Perlman shines

Slobberer | Astoria, NY United States | 10/31/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD contains The Saint-Saens Violin Concerto and the Lalo Symphonie Espagnole.The Lalo is the real reason to get this disc - fantastic and as I was listening to it, thought it should have been subtitled "the Joy of Violin Playing" because there is real joy there in the music-making. Just delightful and spot-on. Perlman has been my favorite violinist since I heard his rendition of the Goldmark Violin concerto years ago, and I was glad to get this recording of some of the other violin masterworks.The 2nd movement of the Saint-Saens is great, too, and very moving. The tempos in the first movement may have been rushed a little, because it sounds as if it isn't as "settled" as the rest of Perlman's playing on this performance. As always, his intonation is perfect."