Henryk Szeryng Plays Brahms Violin Concerto, Bartok & Ravel (2004)

For many listeners, Henryk Szeryng would be the No. 1 choice for a recording of the Brahms Violin Concerto. His interpretation is technically flawless, emotionally involved, and deeply probing; it makes Jascha Heifetz, for example, sound slightly offhand. In this French-made video from 1962, the Paris Conservatoire is not the best possible orchestra, but it is more than adequate and Paul Paray is an excellent conductor.

The Brahms leads off and highlights an unusually generous selection encompassing the full range of Szeryng's art. There are technically demanding works such as Ravel's "Tzigane," the fugue from Bach's unaccompanied Sonata No. 1, and Locatelli's "Harmonic Labyrinth," ethnic explorations such as Bartok's "Romanian Folk Dances" and Brahms's "Hungarian Dance No. 17," and charming novelties such as Debussy's waltz "La Plus que Lente," Suk's "Love Song," and Novacek's "Perpetuum Mobile," with selections by Mozart and Fritz Kreisler added as a bonus. This is a very thorough, well-rounded survey of a great artist's legacy.

Tracklist

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Op. 77
1 I. Allegro non troppo 22:30
2 II. Adagio 9:50
3 III. Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace 8:00

Romanian Folk Dances Sz56
4 No.1 Staff Dance. Allegro moderato 1:16
5 No.2 Sash Dance. Allegro 0:30
6 No.3 Stamping Dance. Andante 1:90
7 No.4 Dance from Bucium. Moderato 1:29
8 No.5 Romanian 'Polka'. Allegro 0:27
9 No.6 Quick Dance. Allegro 0:47

Sonata for Violin and Basso continuo in D major, Op.9 No.3
10 I Un poco andante 3:32
11 II Allegro 2:40
12 III Sarabanda. Largo 2:25
13 IV Tambourin. Presto 3:30
14 Hungarian Dance No.17 in F sharp minor (2003 Digital Remaster) 3:58
15 Tzigane, Rhapsodie de Concert 9:35

Sonata No.1 in G minor, BWV 1001
16 Fuga (Allegro) 5:45
17 Caprice in D Op. 3 No. 23 'Il labirinto armonico' (2003 Digital Remaster) 3:50
18 Love Song, Op.7 No.1 5:53
19 Perpetuum mobile Op. 5 No. 4 2:47
20 La plus que lente. Valse (2003 Digital Remaster) 3:55
21 Recitative and scherzo-caprice for solo violin Op. 6 4:39





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