Search - Pyotr Ilytch Tchaikovsky, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra :: Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 ; Serenade Melancolique, Op. 26

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10/22/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I haven't quite figured out why this recording hasn't been given more review in classical cd guides and the like. I own about 6 recordings of this work, and since Perlman is my favorite violinist I had to buy it. It is rivaled only by Vengerov/Berlin Philharmonic/Abbado. The sound is outstanding from both soloist and orchestra, and Perlman does some wonderful stuff in the cadenzas, particularly the first movement. Wow! It is remarkable how effortless Perlman makes this sound, when in fact it is the most demanding concerto of them all. Vengerov is more technically overwhelming, but Perlman is more lyrical and musical I think. The Philadelphia players are on form and the codas are thrilling. Buy it."

Virtuosism without refusing cantabile

Al Gar | mx | 10/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For me, Tchaikovsky's concerto represents one of the most demanding 'tour the force' for the instrument in the genre. This is not only a virtuoso piece, it requires full cantabile treatment of the melodies.



The violin of Perlman literally 'sings' throughout the piece, without slowering tempo, and fulfilling the virtuosistic demands. Most of the violinists opens beatifully the first movement -the first theme-, but in those passages with double strings or 'moto perpetuo' like, the melody becomes rough and confuse.



In the case of the 'Serenade Melancolique', Perlman conveys the poignant mood of the piece, again with a great cantabile phrasing.



The Philadelphia Orchestra, at the end of Eugene Ormandy era, made an excellent performance. There's another extraordinary recording of the concerto conducted by Ormandy, with David Oistrakh, which I highly recommend.



I also recommend a laser-disc register (I don't know if has been edited in DVD) of the concerto with Perlman/Ormandy tandem, and another registered during Tchaikovský's 150 birthday gala, in which Perlman plays the Serenade.

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