Brahms/Heifetz:
Excellent recorded sound, but for me the performance feels rushed, too fast. Heifetz was a fantastic virtuoso, but sometimes sounded as if he used his virtuosity for the sake of showmanship. His earlier recording of this concerto with Serge Koussevitsky and Boston symphony, while not nearly as good recorded sound wise is more musical, taken at more reasonable tempos. In fact, the performance is more than three minutes slower than the Reiner/Chicago; a good thing, in this case.
A favorite, warmer and more poetic performance is Nathan Milstein with Philarmonia Orchestra/Anatole Fistoulari. Of note is the fact that the first movement cadenza is by Milstein himself. Then again, I can’t think of a Milstein recording that I haven’t liked.
Excellent recorded sound, but for me the performance feels rushed, too fast. Heifetz was a fantastic virtuoso, but sometimes sounded as if he used his virtuosity for the sake of showmanship. His earlier recording of this concerto with Serge Koussevitsky and Boston symphony, while not nearly as good recorded sound wise is more musical, taken at more reasonable tempos. In fact, the performance is more than three minutes slower than the Reiner/Chicago; a good thing, in this case.
A favorite, warmer and more poetic performance is Nathan Milstein with Philarmonia Orchestra/Anatole Fistoulari. Of note is the fact that the first movement cadenza is by Milstein himself. Then again, I can’t think of a Milstein recording that I haven’t liked.