Search - Mozart, Zukerman, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra :: Violin Concerti 1-3

Proof

Ryan Richards | Midland, MI United States | 03/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is proof that sometimes you can get much more than what you pay for. Zukerman obviously knows these selections inside and out, leaving him time to give the music the special flare he does on this recording. The interpretations of each movement are solid and highly spirited, sounding almost as though they're talking to the listener. Part of this might be Zukerman's mastery of the range of expression of which a violin is capable; the instrument's tonal expression seems to change with the mood of the music as needed. The main reason, however, is the sense of obvious enjoyment and spontaneity being communicated to the listener by both soloist and orchestra (both of whom are equally capable), and that alone sets this CD above the myriads of other Mozart violin concerto recordings out there."

Complete Involvement, Complete Communication

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 06/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mozart's three violin concerti - B flat Major K 207, D major K 211, and G major K216 - have rarely enjoyed such eloquent and tender performances as those on this Sony CD form 1991. One can only hope that it will be re-released in one of the Classic Concerts series that seem to be making extraordinary recordings such as this one available to the public once more.



Pinchas Zukerman serves as both the soloist and the conductor of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and their long association serves this recording well. Zukerman allows these three masterpieces to breathe with new life, giving them tempi that match Mozart's intentions rather that those imposed by others. The result is splendid playing. For people who dote on 'slow movements' to calm the soul, the adagios and andante movements of these three concerti will surely satisfy. One reason for returning to this trusty recording for this listener was a recent viewing of the film 'Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress' in which the Adagio movement from the 3rd concerto (G major) plays such a keen role. Though that score did not use this recording, the memories are in place. And for all the fine recordings of these violin concerti available, this one ranks among the highest. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, June 06

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Rave review

Alyssa A. Lappen | Earth | 07/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here's an Essential Classics CD for which the five star rating is insufficient.



As a fellow reviewer notes, it also shows one can sometimes obtain considerably more than one pays.



I'm not familiar with other performances of these three Mozart pieces--Violin Concertos B flat Major K 207, D major K 211, and G major K216.



But this set of works--recorded at three Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra concerts in Minnesota, in January 1981 (K 216) and October and November 1981 (K 207 and K 211) and published by Sony in 1982--is extraordinary.



There are other issues of the same pieces, by the same performers, presumably recorded on the same 1981 dates. But this CD is by far the least expensive edition. And even for the several dollars I paid for my copy, the recording is one of the best classical music values I have ever acquired.



Just wonderful."