Performer: Arthur Grumiaux, Dinorah Varsi
Orchestra: Orchestre des Concerts Lamoureux
Conductor: Arthur Rosenthal
Composer: Henri Vieuxtemps
Audio CD
Number of Discs: 1
Format: FLAC (tracks+cue)
Label: Eloquence
Size: 308 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Henri Vieuxtemps
– Violin Concerto No. 4 d-moll, op.31
– Violin Concerto No. 5 a-moll, op.37
Arthur Grumiaux, violin
Orchestre des Concerts Lamoreux, Manuel Rossenthal
– Ballade et Polonaise, op.38
Arthur Grumiaux, violin
Dinorah Varsi, piano
Poetic justice
Arthur Grumiaux is easily one of my favorite violinists who studied with Dubios (who was a pupil of the phenominal Ysaye) and then later the great Enescu. I can only describe his emotional playing as convincing, musical and full of emotion, his commanding ability to shape every note and understanding of how every phrase should sound is a unique kind of musical poetry that only a soloist with distinction can deliver.
This review is in reference to his recording of the wonderful Vieuxtemps Concerto 4, of course Grumiaux’s poetic style does justice to this fantasticly lyrical concerto once described as a symphony with violin solos. Indeed the amazing Vieuxtemps had a severly advanced talent for orchestration and developing melodies with undeniable purity.
I have heard Heifetz and Markov play the Vieuxtemps Concerto 4 but this recording outshines all others and is the finest available. I feel so lucky that this recording is available as an import because I treasure it immensely.
In addition to the Concertos 4 and 5 listed as the CD title, Mr Grumiaux also plays the phenominal “Ballade et Polonaises”, a wonderful piece for violin and piano that is rarely played. This recording is one that I completely treasure.
Of course I give this recording my highest recommendation, so much emotion and beauty to be heard here.