"The CD of this album issued in the '80s on the ``Great Performances'' label refers to this as a historic recording. I can see why. This is Stern at his absolute peak. I haven't heard another performance of either piece to match what he does here. The final movement of the Tchaikovsky will cause you to tie down loose objects near your speakers -- the gale is that strong."
Still the Best
Phillip L. Actor | Morgan Hill, CA USA | 11/19/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've listened to these two pieces by a number of artists and enjoyed most of them. However, half way through I'm ready to look for the old worn tape of this CD. Sterns' power is inspiring. I can and do listen to this over and over. Youngsters take note, if your reaching for greatness this is your mark."
Major dissapointment
Dennis M. Desantis | 12/02/2004
(1 out of 5 stars)
"This is a SACD fiasco. I had hoped that Sony would work that same magic as they did with the Szell SACD reissues which create a wonderful soundtage with depth and great string sound. No such luck. The orchestra is 2 dimensional and so congested that it's diffcult to make out the individual instruments. Stern's violin playing is gorgeous but he is so loud and upfront that this SACD images like a violin solo in front of wallpaper. I guess the engineers monkeyed so much with the Phila recordings that great sound is impossible. What a shame."
Astonishing
Colin Rose | Sydney | 04/21/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a single-layer SACD (not for old CD players: needs a SACD player).
I normally prefer to purchase SACDs recorded post-2000 in hi-rez. This is a 1958 recording, converted from the original analog tapes to SACD. I wasn't expecting fireworks when I purchased this, ... but what an absolute gem this is! The sound quality is just unbelievably good - warm, lush, natural, pure, rich and real. No hiss or surface noise (unless you listen with headphones) - it sounds better than many new recordings. It is absolutely brilliant.
Performance: I played both the Tchaikovsky and Mendelssohn concertos on the violin as a teenager, so I know them both very well, and I have countless recordings of both. Stern's Tchaikovsky is simply phenomenal. I think it is easily the best Tchaikovsky I have ever heard. The recording is front row: the way they used to do it, and the way, I am sure, Stern would have liked it. I was not quite as enamoured with the Mendelssohn - not as sweet as some others (Zukerman as a teenager, Mintz) - but it's still great.
There are still a few copies of this SACD floating around. Do yourself a favour: get a copy, new or used, while you can. Highly recommended."