****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I shall not go into details of these works as they are well known and collectors will have various performances already. If you are a newcomer to music an want to hear classic violin playing of the old school then this is a superb example. Francescatti was French despite his Italian name but played in that broad, European style with a generosity of tone and sustained sound that was a characteristic of the Russian, Jewish school; Milstein, Heifetz, Stern and Oistrach and might I suggest Kogan all displayed these qualities. Coupled with superb technique, they never played to show off and while modern violinists may equal their technical prowess they never sound as convincing. Why? I don't really know except when I hear one of these older generation of violinists I can always tell because of the style, character and individuality of their musicianship. Kyung Wha Chung said 20 years ago that modern violinists were bland and lacked character, whereas she could hear an older performance and know who was playing.These are great performances beautifully restored in remastered mono sound from the early fifties. Mitropoulos is a marvellous supporter and the New York Phil a wonderful instrument. The oldest recording is of the Chausson and Ormandy's usually luscious orchestra does sound a little thin but so what in a superb collection and so beautifully packaged. This historic recording series will probably not last long so grab them all while you can. There are some real treats among the many issues covering a wide variety of music with some great artists, orchestras and conductors.
