The Greatest Recordings EVER! The Perlman/Giulini Beethoven: Violin Concerto

[@ManorHouseMusic]

This video demonstrates (as many others do) that David Hurwitz not only knows a great deal about music but also understands it as a musician does. This is a rare quality as is his historical grasp. What's the point in performers expending all their artistic energies in trying to imitate what this piece sounded like in 1806, when in 1806 it's performance was a shambles which completely baffled Beethoven's contemporaries and led to it being described as being incoherent? You're right, the Perlman/Guilini recording displays all the nobility, purity and spontaneity of this great work. It's a universal recording that will always sound fresh. A worthy selection!

[@harinagarajan2296]

Oh yes. I always thought that i could "hear" the orchestra and the soloist inhale and exhale. Just magnificent. Mr Hurwitz many warm wishes for Christmas. Hari

[@Chejaaleb]

I first heard this magnificent concerto on the radio, performed by Leonid Kogan on the violin and conducted by Constantin Silvestri. I was astounded by the beauty of the work, but since I no longer have access to that performance, I cannot judge it now. Nevertheless, this particular performance, Perlman/Giulini, surpassed all my expectations. It was exceptional-brilliant, yet devoid of any attempt at embellishment. The work itself is already at the pinnacle of its glory and requires no enhancement. However, the only performance that has captivated me more than this recording is that of Perlman and Barenboim. Yes, Perlman once again! Of course, the performance by Joshua Bell in Stockholm, for which I was fortunate enough to secure a ticket, remains one of my most cherished memories. My entire body trembled with excitement and joy. It was truly amazing-an absolute delight. Merry Christmas, dear David.

[@woofie8647]

The first recording of this work I ever bought. Just about perfect.

[@maximisaev6974]

Yes, it's a very special recording indeed. I remember when it first came out, when labels actually marketed their products to the full, you couldn't walk by a music store that didn't have the album cover of this work, blown up to poster size, pasted prominently in the window of their store. Undoubtedly there are many fine recordings out there, and God knows I have them, but Perlman/Giulini can hold their own against the competition. It's a "must have" recording. Thanks Dave for bringing attention to it. Take care!

[@th1inker55]

One of the first recordings I ever purchased. It's excellent!

[@mr-wx3lv]

I have to be in a certain mood to listen to Beethovens violin concerto. I know it's very beautiful and iconic. I just find it too long. Brahms, on the other hand even though it's a very similar concept seems to do things better...And I'd never thought id say that. But I'll give this a listen. Thanks David.. Merry Christmas to you btw..

[@dennischiapello7243]

The first movement can certainly wear out its welcome.

[@Taosravenfan]

Also the first version of Beethoven Violin Concerto I owned. He was, IMO, at the tail end of the really great violinists. To me no one is in the stratosphere of Heifetz, Milstein and Oistrakh, but boy howdy, Perlman to me was as close as it gets.

[@301268bmh]

Perlman and Giulini had already collaborated with their recording of Brahms' violin concerto with the CSO (EMI). So, their partnership for the Beethoven was perhaps not all that surprising.

[@twwc960]

Yes. And I like their recording of the Brahms concerto even more than the Beethoven. It's my favorite recording of the Brahms.

[@simonrouse2118]

The only recording of the concerto I own. Heard many other performances. Wore out the LP and replaced with the CD version. It is deeply satisfying.

[@b1i2l336]

Gosh, this work has received many great performances and recordings, so much so that I couldn't even begin to cite just one as the "greatest." My personal favorites are Grumiaux/Van Beinum and Oistrakh/Cluytens, but I wouldn't dream of nay-saying anyone who prefers Perlman and Giulini.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I never said there was just one as the greatest. I said there were a bunch, this among them.

[@PhillipYewTree]

Yes. Perlman is/was a wonderful artist, and I also rate Viktoria Mullova. 👏🏻

[@nattyco]

I love the performance but I find the violin in the CD is unnaturally highlighted and quite brightly lit, not at all like the golden tone I remember Perlman produced in live concerts. Schneiderhan is my favourite in this work.

[@johnhoie-hj7cg]

I’ve wondered what you thought about Perlman. With no expertise in musical instrument playing, I don’t have an informed opinion on great players. But Perlman is my favorite violinist, strictly based on sound. His sound seemed richer and more sonorous than, e.g. Heifetz.

[@Italonino]

Dave Happy Holidays, I'm in 100% agreement on this one. I wonder if you'll do a review of the worst Beethoven Violin Concerto: Nigel Kennedy with the NDR Orchestra conducted by the unfortunate Klaus Tennstedt. Lifeless and sloppy, Kennedy was more concerned with looking like Gary Oldman (Sid and Nancy) than giving any thought to the music.

[@gavingriffiths2633]

Perlman is a terrific violinist - but both the DG and the Warner box seemed to disappear very swiftly - and his reputation seems to be somewhat in decline. Or am I being pessimistic?

[@ManorHouseMusic]

Who says his reputation is in decline? He's universally regarded as one of the great violinists of the 20th century and like all the very greatest, his playing is recognisable within a matter of a few bow strokes. There may be violinists today who play faster and cleaner but none have an ounce of his personality, charisma, charm and tone.

[@gavingriffiths2633]

@ManorHouseMusic I agree he is wonderful - and a personal favourite - but I wonder whether his rich style suits the modern 'taste'; my evidence is those box sets disappeared and were never reissued...

[@ManorHouseMusic]

@@gavingriffiths2633 Not sure about those box sets but wishing you a very Merry Christmas! I'll put on his 1972 Carmen Fantasy to celebrate! 😉🎄🎉🎁

[@MD-md4th]

In decline? 😂 Well, Perlman’s nearly 80, though he is still probably the most revered living soloist of any instrument.