Beethoven: Violin Concerto, Romances 1 & 2

I don't know if anyone has heard any of the previous releases of this 1947 recording of the Violin Cto., but it was serviceable at best. Lots of hiss and loss of detail. Now this time Testament has done it right, this sounds like it is right in your living room. OK, for sound, the performance is fantastic. Paced and so well by Furtwangler and the warmth and caressing of Menuhin's violin, makes this version one to have. This is why fans have tolerated some awful sounding versions through the years, because this is one of the finest performances of this work in recorded history.I balanced it with a more modern recording by Zukerman.

Comparing this with the highly regarded 1953 EMI recording with Furtwangler and the Philharmonia reveals a slightly sweeter and more lyrical performance by Menuhin in the earlier Lucerne recording on Testament. Also, the violin tone sounds a bit deeper and mellower than the later recording, almost as if he is using a different instrument in 1947 than 1953. Both are great, but the Lucerne has the edge.

great music, and greater artists.

One of the top five pieces of classical music of all time. The performance was so good live that they never even went into the studio to do another recording of it?

The only one wilhout a score never misses a beat as Beethoven shuffles betwixt major and minor chords whilst wending his glorious way to the powerful conclusion anticipated by all Beethoven admirers.

Menuhin!

This collaboration of Menuhin and Furtwaengler is one of the great recordings of the last century. The recording features sublime music making

first class readings and recordings!

Beethoven's violin concerto is a great old warhorse, and every violinist of any merit will play it. Itzhak Perlman's version is the absolute best version I have ever heard. I would query the sound of the BPO under Barenboim. They seem to have lost the instantly recognisable quality of sound that they once had. Even so, this is an essential buy to any Beethoven or violin lover.

I heard this on youtube......over a million views and decided to get it on CD.You get two 'romances' as well.Along with his 5th piano concerto and his 5th,6th and 9th symphony's i really recommend it.

Another superb recording to enjoy coupled with good prompt service

This recording is sublime - but with the artists involved what else would it be! Of all the times I've heard this piece of music this one s truly special. Highly recommended

What a combination, Beethoven, Perlman and Barenboim. I highly recommend this coming together of the musical geniuses.