Beethoven: Violin Concerto; Overtures

The concerto is miles too slow, although the silken thread of Ferras’s tone is worth sampling and there’s something rather comforting about Karajan’s stoical, gold-plated accompaniment. The overtures, though, are grandly exuberant, while the transfers from so-so analogue (non-digital) tapes work quite well. Half a bargain, then, but if you especially want the concerto, wait for Heifetz’s version (with Charles Munch conducting), forthcoming soon in RCA’s mid-price ‘Living Stereo’ series. Robert Cowan

Our rating

3

Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:35 pm

COMPOSERS: Beethoven
LABELS: DG Galleria
WORKS: Violin Concerto; Overtures
PERFORMER: Christian Ferras (violin); Berlin PO/Herbert von Karajan
CATALOGUE NO: 437 644-2 ADD (1967/70)

The concerto is miles too slow, although the silken thread of Ferras’s tone is worth sampling and there’s something rather comforting about Karajan’s stoical, gold-plated accompaniment. The overtures, though, are grandly exuberant, while the transfers from so-so analogue (non-digital) tapes work quite well. Half a bargain, then, but if you especially want the concerto, wait for Heifetz’s version (with Charles Munch conducting), forthcoming soon in RCA’s mid-price ‘Living Stereo’ series. Robert Cowan

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