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My Growing Sibelius Violin Concerto Collection!
By an Amazon.com customer
Beethoven, Sibelius: Violin ConcertosBeethoven, Sibelius: Violin Concertos
Buy new: $6.98 / Used from: $3.49
Oistrahk's is the most polished version. He maintains technical and tonal clarity throughout even the most difficult and crazy passages, though comparatively, his playing lacks drive at times.
Joshua Bell ~ Sibelius · Goldmark - Violin Concertos / Los Angeles Philharmonic · SalonenJoshua Bell ~ Sibelius · Goldmark - Violin Concertos / Los Angeles Philharmonic · Salonen by Jean Sibelius
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Bell's rendition is a beautiful one. People always say how "bleak" this concerto should sound, but Bell plays this beautiful music with the lushness it warrants.
Midori ~ Sibelius - Violin Concerto · Bruch - Scottish Fantasy / Israel PO · MehtaMidori ~ Sibelius - Violin Concerto · Bruch - Scottish Fantasy / Israel PO · Mehta by Jean Sibelius
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Upon first hearing Midori play this piece, I was surprised by how easy she makes it sound. The last movement in particular, with its many difficult passage, comes off clear and effortlessly.
Sibelius: Violin Concerto; Chausson: Poeme for Violin & Orchestra; Nadja Salerno-SonnenbergSibelius: Violin Concerto; Chausson: Poeme for Violin & Orchestra; Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg by Jean Sibelius
Buy new: $16.98 / Used from: $6.23
Salerno-Sonnenberg's version is the most aggressive and animated in my collection. She plays with an intoxicating abandon that is very exciting to listen to, without sacrificing technique.
Sibelius, Prokofiev, Glazunov: Violin ConcertosSibelius, Prokofiev, Glazunov: Violin Concertos
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I think Heifetz rushes and tramples through much of this piece. While I usually find that his blatant virtuosity serves the music, here it's more of a distraction than anything else.
Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D / Sibelius: Violin Concerto in DTchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D / Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D
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Josefowicz offers a solid rendition here, though I would say that her playings often lacks the sensitivity and finesse of more mature artists.
Sibelius & Korngold Violin Concertos-Sinding SuiteSibelius & Korngold Violin Concertos-Sinding Suite
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As always, Perlman is exceptional. However, the finale has some muted brass instrument that really sticks out in the recording, which gets annoying after a while.
Sibelius/Tchaikovsky: ViolinkonzerteSibelius/Tchaikovsky: Violinkonzerte
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Jean Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor (Original Version); Violin Concerto in D minorJean Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor (Original Version); Violin Concerto in D minor
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Contains the original version of the Concerto. The sound quality isn't always the best, and the original version isn't as good as the revised version we're used to, but you should decide for yourself
Mendelssohn, Sibelius: Violin ConcertosMendelssohn, Sibelius: Violin Concertos
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I always like Chang's playing, and so far she's the only violinist I've heard who doesn't rush the ascending thirds in the finale, so she gets extra points for rhythmic accuracy!
The Art of Ivry GitlisThe Art of Ivry Gitlis
Buy new: $10.98 / Used from: $6.70
Gitlis is one of my favorite violinists... he has this way of playing out of time, yet making it sound right... I also like his intense vibrato (and general craziness). I just wish there were more recordings available by him!!!
Jean Sibelius: Violinkonzert/Serenaden/HumoreskeJean Sibelius: Violinkonzert/Serenaden/Humoreske
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Mutter is spectacular as always. I think this is my new favorite version.
Schoenberg Violin Concerto Op.36/Sibelius Violin Concerto Op.47Schoenberg Violin Concerto Op.36/Sibelius Violin Concerto Op.47
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $8.21
Hilary Hahn is flawless as usual.... Gorgeous sound, thoughtful phrasing, and impeccable technique... what more could you ask for?