Search - Henri Vieuxtemps, Andrew Mogrelia, Takuo Yuasa :: Vieuxtemps: Violin Concertos Nos. 5, 6 & 7

Vieuxtemps: Violin Concertos Nos. 5, 6 & 7
Henri Vieuxtemps, Andrew Mogrelia, Takuo Yuasa
Vieuxtemps: Violin Concertos Nos. 5, 6 & 7
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (10) - Disc #1

This third volume completes Misha Keylin's splendid recordings of Vieuxtemps' violin concertos; however, another one featuring his short pieces with orchestra will follow in 2005. Vieuxtemps (1820-1881) was not only one of...  more »

     
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This third volume completes Misha Keylin's splendid recordings of Vieuxtemps' violin concertos; however, another one featuring his short pieces with orchestra will follow in 2005. Vieuxtemps (1820-1881) was not only one of the greatest violinists of his time but also a master pedagogue who taught or influenced Ysaÿe, Hubay, and Auer. His compositions are generally regarded as mere bravura showpieces, but this is contradicted by these last three concertos, which--though they do indeed demand utmost virtuosity from the player--reveal solid structural craftsmanship, masterful orchestration, and considerable emotional depth and intensity. No. 5 is the most familiar, but all abound in lovely melodies, inventive harmonies, and almost operatic drama and lyricism. As in the previous two volumes (Concertos Nos. 1 and 4 and Concertos Nos. 2 and 3), the playing is spectacular. Keylin! has the effortless brilliance, facility and flair to make the most hair-raising technical feats seem easy; he tosses off long passages in staccato, harmonics, and double and triple stops; his runs are perfectly clear at any speed. His tone is pure, focused, and beautiful, glowing in the low register, soaring up high, and he can change mood, color, and expression instantly with bow and vibrato. In the early concertos, he gave shape to the often overabundant sequences, keeping the grandeur from becoming bombastic and the fireworks from sounding empty. Here, without external effects, sentimentality, or excess, he projects every emotional nuance with captivating charm and genuine identification, from pensive inwardness to passionate ardor. For lovers of the best violin virtuoso writing and playing, this record is a must. --Edith Eisler
 

CD Reviews

Great finish to a wonderful set of concertos!
Sean Patterson | Westerville, Ohio United States | 12/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the main things that I have enjoyed from the Naxos label is all of the concertos that have been recorded that has been next to impossible to find elsewhere. Case in point, Henri Vieuxtemps. These final three Violin Concertos round out a truly wonderful excursion into this oft neglected composer. Having the opportunity to hear all seven concertos recorded within only a few years of each other as well as having the same soloist makes a huge difference. Hearing the continuity of all seven concertos from the same interpreter (Misha Keylin) gives a wonderful overview of Vieuxtemps composition. If you love Romantic era Violin Concertos, you won't be disappointed with *any* of Henri Vieuxtemps works."
#5 okay, #6 and 7 quite good
teva_man | United States | 08/28/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mischa Keylin is, I believe, the first violinist to record all of the Vieuxtemps concerti - and for that reason alone, he deserves substantial recognition. Vieuxtemps is unknown outside of the violin world, which is a shame, as he was one of the greatest composers of his time; even Berlioz said at one point that if Vieuxtemps had not been a violinist, he would have been more renowned as a composer. That said, Mischa Keylin does splendidly with Vieuxtemps last two concerti - playing them in a very romantic style with large tone, perfect technique, and usually fine phrasing. His interpretations are not overly individual, but they are very competent. Where he nearly falls down is with the Concerto #5.

He gives it a very cautious reading and does some odd things with the tempi (most of it, including the cadenza, is simply played too slowly.)

Most of us who are violinists learn the more popular 4th and/or 5th Concertos, so hearing the #6 and 7 is quite welcoming,

as they are seldom if ever performed. I recommend this disc, but only for the Concerto #6 and 7. Alexander Markov and Sarah Chang (and yes, I won't forget you, Mr. Heifetz) are the best exponents of the #5."