Description

JOSEPH SZIGETI plays Mendelssohn and Brahms: 1941 & 1948 New York public performances in new digital transfers.   MENDELSSOHN: Concerto in e for violin & orchestra, Op. 64; with the Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra, cond. Bruno Walter (p.p., 2 February 1941) and  BRAHMS:  Concerto in D for violin & orchestra, Op. 77; with the Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra, cond. Dimitri Mitropoulos (p.p., 24 October 1948).  Total time: 67:55. Digital restoration: Ward Marston (2006). UPC# 0-17685-11972-9

BUZZ:  Szigeti (1892-1973) was an artist of rare intellect and integrity; he eschewed the role of the virtuoso, placing himself totally at the service of the music. In addition to the standard repertoire, he championed the music of many 20th-century composers, including Stravinsky, Bartók, Ravel, Prokofiev, Honegger, Bloch, and Martin. These rare New York airchecks find him still in fine shape, before arthritis began to seriously affect his tone.

Sound Clips (MP3):

1. Mendelssohn- Violin Concerto in E minor, Op- 64. I- Allegro molto appassionato – – Joseph Szigeti

2. Mendelssohn- Violin Concerto in E minor, Op- 64. II- Andante – – Joseph Szigeti

3. Mendelssohn- Violin Concerto in E minor, Op- 64. III- Allegretto non troppo – Allegro molto vivace – Joseph Szigeti

4. Announcement

5. Brahms- Violin Concerto in D major, Op- 77. I- Allegro non troppo – Cadenza – Tempo I – Joseph Szigeti

6. Brahms- Violin Concerto in D major, Op- 77. II- Adagio – Joseph Szigeti

7. Brahms- Violin Concerto in D major, Op- 77. III- Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace – Poco piu presto – Joseph Szigeti