COMPOSERS: Prokofiev
LABELS: EMI
WORKS: Violin Concerto No. 1; Violin Concerto No. 2; Violin Sonata No. 1; Violin Sonata No. 2; Sonata for Violin Solo; Sonata for Two Violins
PERFORMER: Frank Peter Zimmermann (violin), Alexander Lonquich (piano)Berlin PO/Lorin Maazel, Philharmonia Orchestra/Mariss Jansons
CATALOGUE NO: CMS 5 66605 2
On paper, the opportunity of hearing Prokofiev’s entire violin output on two generously filled discs looks tantalising. But while there’s little doubt that the sweet-toned Zimmermann plays all the music with superb technical control and impeccable musicianship, some of the performances lack the personality and individuality of approach that one gets from interpreters like Oistrakh and Kremer. In this respect the concertos prove more disappointing than the sonatas, though I feel that Zimmermann’s decision to record both parts of the rarely heard Sonata for Two Violins undermines some of the physical tension that might have resulted had another violinist been present in the recording studio. Erik Levi
Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 1; Violin Concerto No. 2; Violin Sonata No. 1; Violin Sonata No. 2; Sonata for Violin Solo; Sonata for Two Violins
On paper, the opportunity of hearing Prokofiev’s entire violin output on two generously filled discs looks tantalising. But while there’s little doubt that the sweet-toned Zimmermann plays all the music with superb technical control and impeccable musicianship, some of the performances lack the personality and individuality of approach that one gets from interpreters like Oistrakh and Kremer.
Our rating
3
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:28 pm
