RECORDING OF THE MONTH     CHOPIN Waltzes and Impromptus Vladimir Feltsman £11 post free World-wide VIVALDI The four seasons London Mozart Players/Juritz £12 post free World-wide BEETHOVEN Symphonies 4 and 5 LSO/Yondani Butt £12 post free World-wide

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Niccolò PAGANINI (1782-1842) Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major (1817) Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Introduction et Rondo capriccioso (1863) Havanaise Franz WAXMAN (1906-1967) Carmen Fantasie for violin and orchestra Maxim Vengerov (violin) Israel Philharmonic Orchestra/Zubin Mehta rec Tel Aviv, November 1992 ELATUS 2564-60013-2 [63:12]

This collection is a treasure marred only by the inadequate notes (yes here’s another of my gripes about bargain reissues inadequacies). The 16-page, three-language booklet concentrates only on Vengerov’s recording in Tel Aviv – not even giving a clear indication of its date! There are no notes to speak of on any of the pieces only inane remarks about Vengerov’s clothing and the order in which they chose to record the works. I had always imagined that bargain issues would be of special appeal to those new to music. They would learn precious little buying this set which is a great pity because these are fine performances. There are many recordings in the catalogue of the Paganini violin concertos with the Accardo/Dutoit six-CD set of all six plus smaller works on DG 463 754-2 being particularly highly regarded. In this early 1990s recording Mehta and Vengerov approach the First Concerto with commendable bravura. It is brilliantly and imaginatively played and Vengerov dashes off the showpiece passages with dazzling fireworks while rendering heartfelt readings of the more romantically tender passages. Likewise Vengerov displays impressive virtuosity and panache in the remaining works that have very definite Spanish colourings: the two deservedly popular Saint-Saëns pieces and the devilishly difficult Carmen Fantasie specially composed by Franz Waxman (better known as a very successful film composer) for Heifetz. Excitement and romance - a highly recommended bargain reissue Ian Lace Advertising Rates Visitor stats MusicWeb International has over 40,000 Classical CD reviews on offer Discs received Having a problem Donating? Gerard Hoffnung Concerts & The Bricklayer Story   New Releases New Releases   MusicWeb sells the Polish catalogue CDAccord £10.50 post free W-W MusicWeb sells the Arcodiva catalogue £12.00 post free W-W £11.75 post-free world- wide MusicWeb can now offer you discs from the following catalogues: Prices include postage [Acte Préalable £13.50] [Arcodiva £12.00] [Avie from £6.25] [British Music Society £12.00] [CDACCORD from £13.50 ] [ClassicO £12.50] [Hallé from £11] [Heritage £10] [Hortus £14.99 ] [Lyrita ONLY £11.75 ] [Nimbus Special prices] [Northern Flowers £13.50] [REDCLIFFE £11 ] [Sheva £11] [Tactus £11.50 ] [Talent from £12.00 ] [Toccata Classics £10.50 ] Musicweb Special Offers Monthly Best Buys     Google Ads - for information about privacy matters, click here.  Amazon Musicweb International is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

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