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Music : Brahms: Violin Concerto
page 1 of 1
Rating: 
- Stunning interpretation of a stunning piece
In a word, this recording is breathtaking. Brahms' genius is superbly displayed in the long first movement, in which he gave himself all the space he needed to develop the theme of the piece to such an extent that the result is a completely fulfilling, emotional and evocative whole. The melody is simple and effective, the orchstration exquisite. The second and inevitably slow second movement, whilst undeniably graceful, fails to measure up to the splendour of the first. It is tranquil, but not especially moody. The final movement of the piece is a lively show-piece for the soloist, and perhaps the sense of festivity rather detracts from the dramatic feeling of the piece thus far. Overall the concerto lacks continuity; the second movement is quite disparate from the first, and the third even more so. But what endures is the quality of the music; at points it is heartbrakingly beautiful, at others absorbing and fun. To give it anything but five stars would be a crime.
Kennedy's playing is vigorous and dazzling; one would expect nothing less. He lends the same freshness to this recording as he did to Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and in my opinion this is to the benefit of the piece. However, whilst imaginative he remains tastefully economic with his flare, perceptibly in the third movement. It feels that Kennedy wishes to deliver the music rather than a demonstration of his finesse with the fiddle. I for one find this performance much more palatable than, for instance, that of Maxim Vengerov, for precisely this reason.
Overall, this is a recording not to be missing from anyone's collection. Even if you own a different version, I would recommend buying this one also simply because of its intriguing perspective on a wonderful masterpiece. The music has something to offer anyone.
- Stunning interpretation of a stunning pieceIn a word, this recording is breathtaking. Brahms' genius is superbly displayed in the long first movement, in which he gave himself all the space he needed to develop the theme of the piece to such an extent that the result is a completely fulfilling, emotional and evocative whole. The melody is simple and effective, the orchstration exquisite. The second and inevitably slow second movement, whilst undeniably graceful, fails to measure up to the splendour of the first. It is tranquil, but not especially moody. The final movement of the piece is a lively show-piece for the soloist, and perhaps the sense of festivity rather detracts from the dramatic feeling of the piece thus far. Overall the concerto lacks continuity; the second movement is quite disparate from the first, and the third even more so. But what endures is the quality of the music; at points it is heartbrakingly beautiful, at others absorbing and fun. To give it anything but five stars would be a crime.
Kennedy's playing is vigorous and dazzling; one would expect nothing less. He lends the same freshness to this recording as he did to Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and in my opinion this is to the benefit of the piece. However, whilst imaginative he remains tastefully economic with his flare, perceptibly in the third movement. It feels that Kennedy wishes to deliver the music rather than a demonstration of his finesse with the fiddle. I for one find this performance much more palatable than, for instance, that of Maxim Vengerov, for precisely this reason.
Overall, this is a recording not to be missing from anyone's collection. Even if you own a different version, I would recommend buying this one also simply because of its intriguing perspective on a wonderful masterpiece. The music has something to offer anyone.
