Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64

haha ok inspired by my pro senior ruiheng (musicforleisure.blogspot.com) haha. k shall start reviewing CDs based on works.


MENDELSSOHN VIOLIN CONCERTO IN E MINOR OPUS 64

1. Jascha Heifetz/Charles Munch/Boston Symphony Orchestra- Mendelssohn/Beethoven Violin Concertos - RCA Living Stereo

There is only one perfect Mendelssohn, and it is Heifetz's 1959 recording with French conductor Charles Munch, coupled with his equally definitive rendition of the Beethoven Concerto, on RCA's LIVING STEREO Hybrid SACDs. Last time I checked, the gramophone at Parkway Parade stocks about 3 copies, (Audio CD), costing around $18. the quality of recording is good, as RCA holds its own against modern recordings even after 40 years.


2. Itzhak Perlman/Bernard Haitink/Concertgebouw Orchestra - Mendelssohn/Bruch Violin Concertos - EMI Classics

Perlman spins a slow and leisurely first movement, with his usual honey like tone, probably partly due to his recently acquired "Soil" Stradivarius (claimed to be the best Strad vln) from the virtuoso Menuhin a few years back, and this recording was made in 1991. It might be a bit too slow for some (12 min+) but for his tone and accuracy it's worth it. He takes the same way with the second movement and plays an accurate but bland 3rd movement imho. thus the next recording is:



3. Hilary Hahn/Marek Janowski/Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra - Mendelssohn/Shostakovich Concerto No. 1 - Sony Classical

Hahn's violin has a unique sound. To me, it sounds silvery but not penetrating enough like eg. Heifetz's ex-David Guarnerius. Thus Hahn takes the first movement in a classical way, far from my favourite...too cool? however her 3rd movement is the best I have on record. Hahn zips across it with virtually no intonation errors, her upbow spiccato has a glorious nip and fly sound, and theres nothing wrong with her phrasing and enormous technique required to pull off this Mendelssohnian fairy dance. I find Heifetz's Munch 3rd movement to be too scratchy...perhaps as Heifetz always insisted he be positioned close to the mike? Thus Hahn comes in first, and I always believed that a good 3rd mvmt of mendelssohn shld make it under the 6 min mark. too slow would be disastrous.


OTHERS

I dunno why Menuhin-Furtwangler is so acclaimed, I have it and the old man apparently has lost his technique and his violin sounds scratchy. Don't buy it. And I have two Milstein, however I find his intonation awry at times (after all, he didnt like to practice), not precise like Heifetz. And Oistrakh is just...too off for my liking. haha. Rmb heifetz. the best. I also have his 1939? Mendelssohn with Beecham. the 3rd mvmt there is fantastic, however i still give the edge to hahn.


Hmm for videos of Mendelssohn Concerto, the DVD EMI CLASSICS - HEIFETZ/RUBINSTEIN/PLATIGORSKY would be a good vid of Heifetz's rendition of the 1st mvmt. however its a bit grainy as it was recorded in 1949 and the sound leaves much to be desired. apparently heifetz stormed out of the studio after this take as the orch didnt end together with him!

For the 3rd mvmt, ur in luck, as zh has uploaded heifetz's heart-stopping rendition of it on youtube, viewable by all. NO competition virtually. watch and see.