Composer: Max Bruch, Felix Mendelssohn
Performer: Midori
Orchestra: Berliner Philharmoniker
Conductor: Mariss Jansons
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Sony
Catalogue: SK87740
Release: 2003
Size: 241 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: cover
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
01. I. Allegro molto appassionato
02. II. Andante
03. III. Allegro molto vivace
Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26
04. I. Prelude. Allegro moderato
05. II. Adagio
06. III. Finale. Allegro energico
A virtuoso without a cause, Midori can play the telephone book and make it sound like a virtuoso piece, but then, she makes everything she plays sound like a virtuoso piece with about as much meaning as the telephone book. In her recordings of the Mendelssohn and Bruch concertos, Midori plays with a strong tone and a terrific technique, sailing through the Mendelssohn concerto and soaring through the Bruch concerto. But her Mendelssohn lacks elegant charm and her Bruch wants soulful tenderness, and both of them have all the glamorous allure of a perfectly played technical exercise. Mariss Jansons is a considerate accompanist who sets the stage but is not himself an actor. The Berlin Philharmonic plays with its by-now-customary “if we’re the greatest orchestra in the world, what are we doing playing the Mendelssohn concerto?” spirit of professionalism. Sony’s digital recording puts all the spots on Midori and places her downstage center, with the BPO behind her and an empty hall looming in front of her.