Title : Mendelssohn, Beethoven: Violin Concertos
Author : Joshua Bell
Release Date : 20020611
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $17.98
Amazon.com Price : $14.98
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Editorial Reviews : Joshua Bell's first recordings of these warhorses stand apart from the hundreds of versions crowding the catalogs in at least one respect, namely his own cadenzas. Beethoven didn't supply his own for the long first movement of his Violin Concerto, and Bell's thoughtful, stylish emendation easily stands with the frequently played Kreisler and Joachim cadenzas as a viable option. His extroverted yet well-proportioned cadenza in the Mendelssohn may not match the original's instant melodic appeal, but it certainly works. Elsewhere, Bell's direct, clean-cut, utterly dependable virtuosity will not surprise his legions of fans, who won't mind that the violin tends to dominate in the mix. Is that due to the engineering, or to Roger Norrington's somewhat reticent accompaniments? You'd think a chamber orchestra would help the Mendelssohn's bubbling woodwind licks emerge with greater clarity. Likewise, small forces are capable of richer, more tonally varied, and sustained string tone in the Beethoven's slow movement, as one hears in the more confrontational and interesting Richard Kapp-Mela Tenenbaum collaboration.
Buyer Reviews : I waited a long time for this CD, and grabbed it as soon as it hit my local store. Bell's fine rep is intact; this is my new standard for these concertos! I love the style and feel of this recording. Bell's cadenzas make these awesome pieces sparkle and shine with a sweet freshness.
Also, the Sony Direct Stream Digital recording is astonishingly crisp and clear (best I've heard yet).
Hooray! I love it! (let the controversy about Bell's cadenzas begin)...
