BaL 12.10.13 - Walton's Violin Concerto

[verismissimo]

That's the one on Decca isn't it? C/W Stravinsky's VC?

That's the one, bbm.

[BBMmk2]

That's the one, bbm.

Yes! A great classic recording from both these artsts.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

That's the one, bbm.

Is it? I thought the Stravinsky was coupled with the two Prokofiev Vln Concs. (I can only find the Walton coupled with the Elgar 'cello Conc, or the Beethoven Vln Conc or on a Double Decca with the two other Walton Concerti and the two Symphonies.)

[Bryn]

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

[BBMmk2]

Confuscious reigns!

[Barbirollians]

Yes I have a copy of that LP - I bought it on CD as well and was pleased to become acquanted with Harrell's Elgar Concerto . As for KWC's Prokofiev concertos they are stunning .

[Barbirollians]

I find I only have the Heifetz/Walton performance albeit in two different guises - I look forward to hearing the one with Goossens. Anyone got an opinion on it ?

[seabright]

I find I only have the Heifetz/Walton performance albeit in two different guises - I look forward to hearing the one with Goossens. Anyone got an opinion on it ?

I find I've a few review cuttings tucked inside the Biddulph CD of the Heifetz/Goossens (it's also now on Naxos). In The Gramophone, Alan Sanders wrote: "Those collectors who are familiar with Heifetz's 1950 recording, with the composer conducting, will find a little more depth of feeling in the 1941 performance and a degree of virtuosity which is just as dazzling. Gooseens and his excellent orchestra play the original, slightly more exotically scored version of the score, and this is the only recording of the first edition ... Anyone who has done battle with the HMV 78s will find Biddulph's transfer comparatively easy on the ear. In fact, transfers throughout are of a high standard."

Edward Greenfield in The Guardian wrote: "Some of the very finest recordings of British music have come from America, including two of the earliest versions of the Walton Violin Concerto. Jascha Heifetz, who commissioned the piece, made the very first recording in 1941 with Eugene Goossens and the Cincinnati Orchestra, and it has never been quite matched since for its passionate urgency as well as its brilliance. Biddulph offers a splendid CD transfer." One American reviewer wrote that "both Heifetz and Goossens project the incredible excitement of first discovery in Walton's Violin Concerto" whilst another described it as "excellent and of historic interest." Because it was recorded on 78s it will indeed be only of "historic interest" as only a stereo version is likely to be top choice.

[Nick Armstrong]

So... Lets see how far beyond 10am this review lasts. (The webpage indicates it will last the standard 45 minutes, suggesting last week's idiotic Verdi half hour was a blip)

[Alison]

Chung and Previn kicked into touch.

[Sir Velo]

Chung and Previn kicked into touch.

Always had a soft spot for that recording from an old Decca "Best of British" bargain series of re-releases on cassette in the late 80s.

[Barbirollians]

Another blood pressure raising BAL .

The dismissal of the Chung/Previn was bizarre- too grainy. What was in the slightest bit grainy about Chung's exquisite playing in that extract ? The horn may have been a bit distant but the direct comparison did Ehnes no favours - he sounded gabbled in the passage played .

As for Ida Haendel - well after being described as a terrific version that had stood the test of time - she was thrown out of the final four for no reason or explanation at all . Do they have intelligent editors at the BBC anymore ?

As for the Kennedy portamento I couldn't see what the fuss was about .

The Bowes recording he raved about sounded cloudy to me and nothing to write home about at all .

On the plus side , however, it was a BAL that did have plenty of recordings showcased and Tazza's winning version did sound very good indeed.

[Tevot]

Hello there,

I must admit I really enjoyed this BAL and it has prompted me to give the work another listen. I haven't heard it in years.

Best Wishes,

Tevot

[teamsaint]

Has the Viola concerto had a BaL?