Tchaikovsky/Sibelius: Violin Concertos

On this CD:

1. Violin Concerto, for violin & orchestra (or violin & piano) in D major, Op. 35
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Vadim Repin
Conducted by Emmanuel Krivine

2. Violin Concerto, for violin & orchestra in D minor, Op. 47
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Vadim Repin
Conducted by Emmanuel Krivine

Tchaikovsky/Sibelius: Violin Concertos, Music, Jean Sibelius, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Emmanuel Krivine, London Symphony Orchestra, Vadim Repin, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Concerto, Violin Concerto
Tchaikovsky, Sibelius: Violin Concertos
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Warm and passionate Stern, masterful Ormandy
  • Great
  • Very fine versions of these two concertos
  • A must have for Stern fans, others shop around
  • Not too bad, but certainly not great.
Tchaikovsky, Sibelius: Violin Concertos

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. A Life In Music: Isaac Stern, Volume 8
  2. Wienawski, Bruch: Violin Concertos
  3. Brahms: Violin Concerto; Double Concerto for violin and cello
  4. Mendelssohn, Dvorak: Violin Concertos
  5. Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto In E Minor, Op. 64 / Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 35

ASIN: B000002AXW
Release Date: 1995-05-16

Tracks:

  1. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In D Major, Op. 35: I. Allegro moderato
  2. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In D Major, Op. 35: II. Conzonetta. Andante
  3. Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In D Major, Op. 35: III. Finale. Allegro vivacissimo
  4. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor, op. 47: I. Allegro moderato
  5. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor, op. 47: II. Adagio di molto
  6. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor, op. 47: III. Allegro, ma non tanto

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Warm and passionate Stern, masterful Ormandy.......2003-11-13

I can never pass up a good Sibelius Violin Concerto and picked this CD up for a couple of bucks in a bargain bin. Needless to say, it was well worth it. I've never been very impressed with recordings from the '60s, but this one is excellent. The acoustics are superb -- obviously not as good as modern ones, but not "muddy", as the reviewer below said. The Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra sounds outstanding on this recording, and Ormandy is a master. For example, there are parts of the Tchaikovsky concerto where the orchestra's playing is even more breathtaking than Stern's. Is that possible? Ormandy jumps strongly into the rollicking 3rd movement of the Sibelius concerto, unlike a lot of the limp and flaccid performances I've heard under other conductors. And of course, Stern is phenomenal here: it may not his best disc, but it's definitely a very good one. He is characteristically warm and passionate, eschewing show-offy technical fireworks for a down-to-earth and very emotional style. His playing can be just slightly loud in places on this disc (which probably has more to do with the placement of the microphone than anything else), but overall it's a fantastic recording. Five stars.

5 out of 5 stars Great.......2001-07-04

This has to be one of my favorite CDs. Peter Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto has to be one of my favorite pieces by the violin, and Jean Siblius does a great job on his too. Isaac Stern does a great job, making only one mistake in the third movement of the Tchaikovsky piece. As always, Eugene Ormandy does a great job conducting his Philadelphia Orchestra. I find this an almost perfect replica of what Peter Tchaikovsky and Jean Sibelius pictured when they composed their pieces. This is a very good price considering that I have seen it in bookstores for [a lot more]....

4 out of 5 stars Very fine versions of these two concertos.......2001-02-20

These are wonderful performances, full of the flair that made Stern famous. I was glad Sony chose this particular version of the Tchaikovsky with Ormandy and the Philadelphians for his "Life in Music" series, rather than Stern's later version with Berstein and the NYPO. This earlier recording captures Stern with more spontaneity and displays his virtuosity to greater effect. The faster passages of the Tchaikovsky are handled with ease, even at speeds faster than normally heard. The Sibelius was recorded much later and therefore has slightly better sound but the performance again is on a very high level. It may not be THE best version of this concerto out there, but it is very satisfying. Overall I would recommend this recording.

4 out of 5 stars A must have for Stern fans, others shop around.......2000-05-10

The Tchaikovsky dates from the 1950's and the recording shows its age, although Sony has done an admirable remastering job. The violin is placed very forward in relation to the mic, which captures Stern very well. The fluidity and technical precision he exhibits in the quick passage work reminds me of Heifetz in his almost robotic ability to hit every note. To Stern's credit, he is considerably more poetic than Heifetz in this particular work. This might even be a top recommendation if not for the orchestra not being captured very well. The orchestra is too far back and sounds a bit muddy. The sound in the Sibelius is much better (recording from late 1960's), but Stern's performance is not on a par with the Tchaikovsky. It is quite adequate and probably better than average, but it is missing that last bit of dark mystery I associate with this piece. This reading pales in comparison to Lin/Salonen on Sony, Repin/Krivine on Erato, and Kennedy/Rattle on EMI.

3 out of 5 stars Not too bad, but certainly not great........1999-12-22

The Tchaikovsky on this album is good, very good, but the Sibelius is somewhat mediocre. I have other recordings of Isaac Stern, and they are quite good, but a master of violin can't always get it perfect, and the Sibelius concerto here makes that obvious. Much better, in my opinion, is the recording with Anne-Sophie Mutter, and even better is the Heifetz (although the quality of the recording isn't that good, it's still a great performance).
Sibelius/Glazunov/Tchaikovsky: Violin Concertos - Jascha Heifetz, Sir John Barbirolli, Sir Thomas Beecham, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Sibelius/Glazunov/Tchaikovsky: Violin Concertos - Jascha Heifetz, Sir John Barbirolli, Sir Thomas Beecham, London Philharmonic Orchestra

    Manufacturer: EMI Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    5. Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4

    ASIN: B000I2ISMW
    Release Date: 2006-10-03

    Tracks:

    1. I: Allegro Moderato
    2. II: Adagio Di Molto
    3. III: Allegro Ma Non Tanto
    4. I: Allegro Moderato
    5. II: Canzonetta (Andante) -
    6. III: Allegro Vivacissimo
    7. Moderato -
    8. Andante -
    9. Cadenza -
    10. Animando
    Violin Concertos [Box Set]
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Underpriced
    • Superb survey of one of the all-time greatest violinists
    Violin Concertos [Box Set]

    Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B0009VI51G
    Release Date: 2005-06-28

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Underpriced.......2006-12-19

    It is incredible to me that I was able to purchase ten discs of probably the single greatest violinist of the century tackling immortal masterpieces for less than the cost of a utility bill.

    You are thinking, "where's the catch?" Well, there is none. The transfers are excellent, the performances, of course, are superb. The only corner-cutting to be found was in the packaging, but even that was more than sufficient.

    All these riches made me greedy, though. I wish there was Bartok 2 as well as 1, same with Szymanowski. I wish there was Khatchaturian. But how spoiled I am to be complaining! There is so much here to be enjoyed, from the crags of Szymanowski and the peaks of Beethoven to the cool, dark valleys of Chausson. If you only ever buy one violin box set, buy this one.

    5 out of 5 stars Superb survey of one of the all-time greatest violinists.......2005-08-28

    We haven't been exactly short on releases by the great David Oistrakh, whether in the LP days or on CD. The trouble was that his recorded legacy - one of the most extensive in history by any violinist - has been made accessible through a multitude of labels, often in a haphazard fashion, and even more often for a very short time. The arrival of this new 10 CD-box has to be saluted for its effort to group a splendid selection of live recordings by Oistrakh made in the USSR between 1939 and 1968 with the Moscow Philharmonic, the Leningrad Philharmonic and the USSR Radio Symphony Orchestra, with some of the foremost conductors of the day (Alexander Gauk, Kirill Kondrashin, Gennady Rozhdestvensky, Kurt Sanderling).

    Undoubtedly, collectors will already have the majority of the recordings presented here (although a lot is no longer available), but this box covers all the great concertos and as a survey of the art of "King David" it is presently unbeatable.

    The sound quality is variable, of course, but totally acceptable regarding the age of some of the documents.
    The Violinist
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations
    The Violinist
    Yehudi Menuhin , Johann Sebastian Bach , Bela Bartok , Ludwig van Beethoven , Alban Berg , Johannes Brahms , Max Bruch , Arcangelo Corelli , Edward Elgar , Franz Joseph Haydn , Edouard Lalo , Felix Mendelssohn , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Carl Nielsen , Niccolo Paganini , Camille Saint-Saens , Jean Sibelius , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Michael Tippett , Henri Vieuxtemps , Antonio Vivaldi , William Walton , Alberto Lysy , Anatole Fistoulari , Antal Dorati , Anthony Bernard , Gaston Poulet , John Pitchard , Mogens Woldike , Pierre Boulez , and Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos
    Manufacturer: EMI Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B0000BWTKJ
    Release Date: 2003-11-04

    Tracks:

    1. I. Allegro
    2. II. Affettuoso
    3. III. Allegro
    4. I. Allegro
    5. II. Andante
    6. III. Allegro Assai
    7. I. Allegro
    8. II. Adagio
    9. III. Allegro Assai
    10. I. Vivace
    11. II. Largo Ma Non Tanto
    12. III. Allegro

    Tracks:

    1. Rhapsody No. 2 (Lassu [Moderato] - Friss [Allegro Moderato])
    2. I. Allegro Non Troppo
    3. II. Andante Tranquillo
    4. III. Allegro Molto
    5. I. Andante
    6. I. Allegretto (Scherzando)
    7. II. Allegro
    8. II. Adagio

    Tracks:

    1. Romance No. 1 In G Major
    2. I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
    3. II. Larghetto
    4. III. Rondo (Allegro) (Cadenza: Kreisler)
    5. I. Allegro Moderato
    6. II. Adagio
    7. III. Finale (Allegro Energico)

    Tracks:

    1. Romance No. 2 In F Major, Op. 50
    2. I. Allegro Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
    3. II. Adagio
    4. III. Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Vivace - Poco Piu Presto
    5. I. Allegro Molto Appassionato
    6. II. Andante
    7. III. Allegretto Non Troppo - Allegro Molto Vivace

    Tracks:

    1. I. Allegro
    2. II. Andante
    3. III. Allegro Molto
    4. I. Andante Tranquillo
    5. II. Presto Capriccioso Alla Napolitana & Trio (Canzonetta)
    6. III. Vivace

    Tracks:

    1. I. Allegro Moderato (Cadenza: Menuhin)
    2. II. Adagio Molto
    3. III. Finale (Presto) (Cadenza: Menuhin)
    4. I. Allegro
    5. II. Andante Cantabile
    6. III. Rondo (Andante Grazioso - Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
    7. I. Allegro Maestoso
    8. II. Andante
    9. III. Presto

    Tracks:

    1. I. Allegro Non Troppo
    2. II. Scherzando (Allegro Molto)
    3. III. Intermezzo (Allegretto Non Troppo)
    4. IV. Andante
    5. V. Rondo (Allegro)
    6. I. Allegro Non Troppo
    7. II. Andantino Quasi Allegretto
    8. III. Molto Moderato E Maestoso - Allegro Non Troppo
    9. Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
    10. Havanaise, Op. 83

    Tracks:

    1. I. Allegro Maestoso (Cadenza: Emile Sauret)
    2. II. Adagio Espressivo
    3. III. Rondo (Allegro Spiritoso)
    4. I. Andante - Moderato - Cadenza
    5. II. Adagio Religioso
    6. III. Scherzo (Vivace) & Trio
    7. IV. Finale (Allegro)
    8. I. Allegro Non Troppo
    9. II. Cadenza
    10. III. Adagio
    11. IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

    Tracks:

    1. Serenade Melancolique
    2. I. Allegro Moderato
    3. II. Adagio Di Molto
    4. III. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
    5. I. Praeludium (Largo)
    6. I. Allegro Cavalleresco
    7. II. Intermezzo (Poco Adagio)
    8. II. Rondo (Allegretto Scherzando)

    Tracks:

    1. I. Allegro
    2. II. Largo
    3. III. Allegro
    4. I. Allegro Non Molto
    5. II. Adagio
    6. III. Presto
    7. I. Allegro
    8. II. Adagio
    9. III. Allegro
    10. I. Allegro Non Molto
    11. II. Largo
    12. III. Allegro
    13. I. Vivace - Allegro - Adagio - Vivace - Allegro - Largo Andante
    14. II. Allegro
    15. III. Grave - Andante Largo - Allegro
    16. Fantasia Concertante On A Theme Of Corelli

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations.......2004-01-06

    The recent trend toward classical box sets focusing on the performer instead of the composer (see my reviews of the various DG/Decca "Original Masters" sets) continues with EMI's new "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist." Sure EMI's past sets have showcased individual performances by Samson Francois, Eugen Jochum and Rudolf Kempe to name a few, but it was always under the heading of a given composer's works, and in the cases mentioned above, to Chopin's piano pieces, Bruckner's Symphonies and Strauss' Orchestral Works respectively. Therefore, this Menuhin collection is the first of EMI's "Budget Box Sets" to showcase a performer playing the works of a variety of composers.

    As Menuhin was an EMI recording artist for an incredible 68 years (1931-99), his performances for the label number in the hundreds. With so much music from which to choose, this 10-disc set aims "to highlight some of those alternative versions, including recordings that have not been easily available since the days of LP and others that have never previously appeared on CD." Therefore, the obvious mainstream, easily attainable recordings are omitted here -- for example, the Beethoven/Mendelssohn VCs with Furtwangler, the Elgar VC with the composer conducting, and the Bruch/Mendelssohn VCs with Susskind and Kurtz.

    However, a lot of this material has been on disc before on titles which the serious collector most likely already owns. Most of the Bach is currently available as part of the Bach "Budget Box Series" title. The Bruch, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Vivaldi VCs were all available in the now out-of-print 2CD EMI Seraphim series. The Elgar and the Walton are still available in the "British Composers" series. And perhaps most annoyingly, the previously unpublished Beethoven VC and Tchaikovsky "Serenade melancolique" (available as a single disc), and the Beethoven Romance No. 2 (available on an EMI Encore title) were both reissued just a few months back.

    But let's focus on the positive, which are the other rare performances, the most significant being the never before reissued 1954 performance of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4 with John Pritchard and the Philharmonia. Other elusive recordings include Viuextemps and Paganini VCs with Fistoulari, Lalo and Saint-Saens works with Goossens, and excellent Berg and Bartok accounts with Boulez. Though I'm delighted at their inclusion, of lesser importance is a 1965 Bartok VC No. 2 with Dorati -- his mono EMI with Furtwangler and an earlier account with Dorati on Mercury Living Presence are far superior. Also, neither the Sibelius (Boult, 1955) nor Nielsen (Woldike, 1952) Concertos are truly Menuhin's cups of tea.

    My last complaint has to do with the packaging. I know I'm being rather trite but it seems that EMI has taken the "slim" out of slim, paper-sleeved box sets with their latest batch of releases. Both this title and the new box of Liszt Orchestral Works by Masur are noticeably thicker than previous EMI sets featuring a similar number of discs. A minor point, but us serious classical collectors need every centimeter of space on our increasingly crowded CD shelves, not to mention the amount of wasted packaging.

    Overall though, despite the fact that "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist" is not as essential a reissue as its counterparts in the "Original Masters" series, it is a delightful set that most collectors will thoroughly enjoy.
    Tchaikovsky, Sibelius: Violin Concertos - The Classic Sound / Chung, Previn
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Delicate, Personal Readings Of Venerable Violin Favorites
    • Depth, scintillating clarity, passion, sibelian bleakness!
    • You must hear the Sibelius
    • A genius at work who happens tobe very modest unlike many
    Tchaikovsky, Sibelius: Violin Concertos - The Classic Sound / Chung, Previn
    Chung , Previn , and London Symphony Orchestra
    Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    1. Prokofiev: Violin Concertos 1 & 2; Stravinsky: Violin Concerto
    2. Mendelssohn, Bruch: Violin Concertos / Chung, Kempe
    3. Con Amore: Violin Encores
    4. Vivaldi: The Four Seasons
    5. Beethoven: Violin Concerto; Bruch: Violin Concerto 1 / Chung, Tennstedt

    ASIN: B0000041V8
    Release Date: 1998-03-10

    Tracks:

    1. Vn Con In D, Op.35: I. Allegro Moderato
    2. Vn Con In D, Op.35: II. Canzonetta: Andante
    3. Vn Con In D, Op.35: III. Finale; Allegro Vivacissimo
    4. Vn Con In d, Op.47: I. Allegro Moderato
    5. Vn Con In d, Op.47: II. Adagio Di Molto
    6. Vn Con In d, Op.47: III. Allegro, Ma Non Tanto

    Amazon.com

    This was Kyung-Wha Chung's first recording, made when she was 22, just after her sensational London debut in the Tchaikovsky Concerto with the same orchestra and conductor. It is splendid. Only a young, radiantly talented player could make these two tired warhorses sound so fresh and vital; only a consummately masterful one could sail through their daunting technical difficulties with such easy virtuosity and perfection. Her tone is flawlessly beautiful, varied in color and inflection; she puts her technical resources entirely at the service of the music, giving every note meaning and honestly felt expression without exaggeration or sentimentality. The Tchaikovsky has charm, humor, sparkle; the slow movement is dreamy, wistful, and unmuted but subdued and inward. The Sibelius is dark and bleak but full-blooded, passionate, and intense. The orchestra sounds and plays better in the Sibelius. --Edith Eisler

    Album Details

    Andre Previn's Reputation as a Tchaikovsky Specialist Preceeds Him Here. His Ability to Sustain the Melodic Line Even at Often Such Treacherously Slow Tempos is Extraordinary, Fully Revealing the Haunting Beauty Implicit in the Composers' Scores. Here He Joins Violinist Kyung Wha Chung in a Ravishing Account of Tchaikovsky's Seminal Concerto Guaranteed to Thrill. Decca's Sound as Well is State of the Art.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Delicate, Personal Readings Of Venerable Violin Favorites.......2005-04-03

    Purchased based on guidance found here and from Gramophone, I am not disappointed in Ms. Chung's reading of the venerable violin concertos from Tchaikovsky and Sibelius. Overall the CD is very satisfying both in terms of performances and sound. Ms. Chung's performance has a wonderful personal quality which, while technically satisfactory will seem somewhat delicate to listeners more accustomed to (and expecting parity with) Heifetz, Stern or Mutter. This departure from expectation shows refreshing independence relative to the dogma of precision over passion. Though a departure from more traditional readings, Ms. Chung's personal style does not disappoint. The Tchaikovsky concerto is excellent though I recommend considering Mutter or Josefowicz. The Sibelius, however, is first-rate by any standard and fully justifies the critic's accolades. In both accounts Previn and the London Symphony are in top form, as they deliver superior support while ensuring proper balance between orchestra and soloist. A wonderful addition to the catalog of these classics.


    5 out of 5 stars Depth, scintillating clarity, passion, sibelian bleakness!.......2003-05-20

    Kyung Wha Chung is one of the truly outstanding (and diffident) violinists of the 20th century. Musically and technically, she stands on the cusp of the late 20th century: the irrefutable influence of the aging Russian models of near-perfection (heifetz, milstein, oistrakh, kogan etc) and the currently evolving schools of purity and accuracy lacking personality or spirit. Anyone listening to Chung will recognise her style, as one does the Great Masters of the early-mid 20th century, but marvel at her accuracy and purity, and musical intelligence.

    The Sibelius is probably the finest version on disc, taking into consideration the main competitors (Heifetz versions and possibly another Oriental virtuoso).

    Strengths in Chung's performance:
    a) Interpretation is 5 gold stars, dazzling and passionate, with plenty of "Fire without warmth" that characterizes Sibelius. No hint of over-romaticizing in the second movement, though it is the Heifetz versions which move me to tears with the intensity and darkness of the brilliance here.
    b) Rapport with Andre Previn, who is one of the most seriously underrated conductors of his time. 5 Gold Stars.
    c) Orchestral playing by the LSO at their very best. 5 Gold Stars
    d) Recording quality and remastering are absolutely excellent. 5 Silver Stars.

    I was awestruck by this version when I first heard it on vinyl release, and I have never tired of it after 30 years of listening on all media to date. I have no adverse comments whatever.

    The Tchaikovsy is excellent, really vibrant and spontaneous. 5 Stars. I listen to the versions by Milstein (1959 stereo, Steinberg cond) and Leonid Kogan (1959 stereo, Silvestri cond) more frequently, however, for their silvery articulation. Nevertheless, I love to hear Chung's from time to time, for its freshness and recorded quality. A great version.

    You will cherish this CD.

    5 out of 5 stars You must hear the Sibelius.......1999-09-15

    Yes, the Tchaikovsky is good. But buy this disc for the Sibelius if you like this concerto. The quality of the Sibelius recording is superior to that of the Tchaikovsky and I rather think Chung was a little more on her form. The Tchaikovsky is not up to the standards of the Classic Sound series in my opinion, but the Sibelius is definitely first class.

    5 out of 5 stars A genius at work who happens tobe very modest unlike many.......1998-10-27

    Incredible. Simply the best version I have heard.
    Tchaikovsky, Sibelius: Violin Concertos
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      Tchaikovsky, Sibelius: Violin Concertos

      Manufacturer: Decca
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B000GUJZV4
      Release Date: 2007-02-13

      Tracks:

      1. I Allegro Moderato
      2. II Canzonetta: Andante
      3. III Finale: Allegro Vivacissimo
      4. I Allegro Moderato
      5. II Adagio Di Molto
      6. III Allegro, Ma Non Tanto
      Tchaikovsky/Sibelius: Violin Concertos
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • Repin magnificent but Krivine is not... and the sound is poor
      • Simply ethereal
      • A spiritual experience
      Tchaikovsky/Sibelius: Violin Concertos

      Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      1. Lalo / Chausson / Ravel: SYMPHONIE ESPAGNOLE / POEME / Tzigane

      ASIN: B000005EEJ
      Release Date: 1996-04-09

      Tracks:

      1. Violin Concerto Op. 35 In D Major: I. Allegro Moderato
      2. Violin Concerto Op. 35 In D Major: II. Andante 'Canzonetta'
      3. Violin Concerto Op. 35 In D Major: III. Finale - Allegro vivacissimo
      4. Violin Concerto Op. 47 In D Minor: I. Allegro Moderato
      5. Violin Concerto Op. 47 In D Minor: II. Adagio di molto
      6. Violin Concerto Op. 47 In D Minor: III. Allegro

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars Repin magnificent but Krivine is not... and the sound is poor.......2006-05-21

      Imagine an incredible violinist who can play the Sibelius without inflicting the piece any sweaty gipsy accents, give a noble account, imbued into the northern lights of Scandinavia...
      Now pair this miracle musician with an uninspired, heavyhanded conductor -who seems to be the punition for any Reine Elisabeth winner recording Sibelius cf. Sergei Kachatryan naive recording of the piece- and make sure the recording engineer is asleep at the wheel: that's what this recording offers.
      The Tchaikovsky is inspired and offers the reading of a idealistic young officer coming right out of a Tolstoi epic story. It is convincing, luminous and the finale is breathtaking. This is the polar opposite of the also convincing live Mutter performance which captured and infused a complex woman's character in a towering, unique, sublime performance.

      In summary, just imagine what Repin and Nagano conducting the Halle orchestra recorded by Chatauret could have done with these concerti...
      The cd despite Krivine and the poor recording is a must have for the Sibelius by Repin. A heartbreaker otherwise...

      5 out of 5 stars Simply ethereal.......2001-05-13

      Words can't explain the magic of this CD. Two amazing, yet very different, works played to absolute perfection. Repin may not be the most well known name amongst violinists, but hopefully it will be. The thing that separates both of these concertos from others is that they not only require technical virtuosity, but a complete understanding of the many timbres that can be played on a violin. Many performers can play through the fast notes with no problem, but fail to grasp that each note in these concertos needs to be played a certain way to express the full impact that these pieces hold. Repin does this so well, it is almost superhuman. The Sibelius concerto (which to me is remeniscent of the Chopin piano concertos in how the solo instrument is the main focus of the piece as opposed to an equilibrium between the soloist and orchestra)is simply a tour de force of the violin, understood completely by both the performer and conducter. Don't bother with other recordings that may look appealiing because of who is performing it. This is the only recording you'll ever need of these emotional rollercoasters.

      5 out of 5 stars A spiritual experience.......2000-01-30

      I judge a cd performance primarily by its ability to move me in some way, either emotionally or intellectually. Suffice it to say this cd moved me in every way possible and left me stunned at the end. But I must say more. I would even say I was moved spiritually by Mr. Repin's performance. I can't imagine either of these famous concertos being played with more skill, intelligence, expressiveness, sensitivity or virtuosity. On my first listening of the Tchaikovsky I was put off by the violin not being more forward in the recording, but upon further hearings I have come to realize wisdom of this choice. The pieces were recorded in a London church and the acoustic provides more of a resonant (again spiritual comes to mind) ambience. What impresses me more than anything else is Repin's ability to have complete control of the volume coming out of his instrument and this is the first recording of the Tchaikovsky I have heard where the dynamic markings in the score are observed so well. Kudos also to Krivine and the wonderful playing of the LSO. The central Canzonetta movement is absolutely beautiful. As for the Sibelius, it is possibly even finer if that is possible with every nuance of emotion played for maximum effect. Again, Repin has the ability to withdraw his tone at will and then increase the volume and tension when the natural drama of the piece calls for it. The first movement, which I have always loved, literally brought me to tears in this version. I am not ashamed to say I was brought to tears again in the climax of the second movement Adagio di molto. The finale is thrilling. While his contemporary Vengerov on the Teldec label may have more technical command (and that is debatable), Repin definitely has the full emotional and expressive measure of these works. Confidently recommended.
      Power Classics
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        Power Classics

        Manufacturer: St. Clair Records
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

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        ASIN: B0000DES08
        Release Date: 2004-08-17
        Great Violin Concertos - Vol. 2 - Golden Memories - 2 Cd Set -
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          Great Violin Concertos - Vol. 2 - Golden Memories - 2 Cd Set -

          Manufacturer: Nuova Era Records - Italy
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B000N3W8JK

          Product Description

          Great Violin concertos: CD 1: Piotr Illtch Tchaikovsky - Violin Concerto in D op.35, Nathan Milstein, violin - frederick Stock, Conductor - Chicago symphony Orchestra (Chicago March 4, 1940) ---&--- Jean sibelius - violin Concerto in D, op.48 - Ginette Neveu, violin - walter susskind, conductor, Philarmonic Orchestra (London, November 21, 1943)--- CD2: Edouard Lalo - Spanish Symphony op.21 -Nathan Milstein, violin - Eugine Ormandy, conductor - Philadelphia Orchestra (Philadelphia 1942) -- Max Bruch , Violin concerto in G minor n.1, Nathan Milstein, violin - John Barbirolli, conductor, New York Philarmonic Orchestra (New York 1947)--- Alexander Glazunov, Violin concerto in A minor op.82, Jascha Heifetz, violin - John Barbirolli, conductor, LOndon Philarmonic Orchestra, (London March 28, 1934)
          Tchaikovsky/Sibelius: Violin Concertos
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            Tchaikovsky/Sibelius: Violin Concertos

            Manufacturer: Royal Classics
            ProductGroup: Classical
            Binding: Audio CD
            ASIN: B000KNMH1W

            Product Description

            This is the 1995 re-release of the 1976 and 1982 EMI releases. Dutch import.

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