DSCH CD Review, Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

DSCH Journal

DSCH CD Review

Shostakovich 25th Anniversary Edition
Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2
Yevgeny Mravinsky, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, David Oistrakh (violin)[a]; Sir Charles Mackerras, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, Jirí Tomásek (violin)[b].
Praga PR 7250052. ADD mono[a]; stereo[b]. TT 65:10.
Czech Radio Broadcasts, live May 1957[a]; February 1982[b].

I reviewed the present performance of the First Violin Concerto, an entry in Mravinsky in Prague, in DSCH No. 13 (it also appears in Praga's 6-CD set, David Oistrakh in Prague, PR 256007). Perhaps I was a little too harsh in my criticisms of its performance and recording qualities, for while neither is impeccable, the latter is not so bad that it renders the former unlistenable, nor does the performance now seem quite as aloof as I found it previously. Not a front-runner, then, but also not last of the pack.

The much more recent recording of the Second Concerto is even easier to recommend. Mackerras extracts the same clean yet emphatic sonority from his Prague players as heard in so many of his recordings of the Czech repertoire. There is a genuine dialogue between Tomásek and the orchestra, and, indeed, between sections within the orchestra, indicating extensive preparation by all concerned. As for the Czech cellist's solo work, he is everywhere impressive, and nothing short of breathtaking in the last movement's lengthy cadenza. While the orchestral playing is not as virtuosic as Tomásek's, both are admirably error-free given that this is a live recording. The audience intrudes only minimally, and it is a great pity that we aren't allowed to hear their appreciation of such a fine performance - dead space follows swiftly after the last note. The recording transmits powerful bass without strain.

Top