Kyung-Wha Chung seems to have disappeared from the new release racks, which is a pity. She's a super violinist, and during the '70s and '80s her recordings were almost invariably greeted with critical acclaim, or at the very least respect. This particular coupling offers fine interpretations of two repertory chestnuts, excellently recorded and marvelously played. She ain't Heifetz, maybe, but then again, who is? Take her on her own considerable terms, and enjoy these lovely performances. --David Hurwitz
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
One of the Finest Artists:
Have you ever sat and watched a hummingbird for a few minutes? This is what this artist reminds me of in this Violin Concerto in E Minor. I was transfixed, with tears in my eyes with the sheer beauty of expression. What power, what graciousness, what magnificent coloring and shading. Only Joshua Bell and Pinchas Zuckerman come close to this rendering. This recording should be re-released. This artist should not be allowed to go unnoticed by generations of young folk. She should be held up as THE ideal.
My all time favourite:
I have own a copy of this CD since 1985. This is a lengendary recording. Chung's performance on both the concertos in the CD (particularly, on Tchaikovsky's) is quite simply, breath-taking. They have given me countless hours of listening pleasure. Some critics like to compare Chung with Heifetz. I have some of his work and I somehow feel that he seemed to be always on a rush. Whereas Chung's timing was just about perfect, but more importantly, her performances exult more passion and have a freshness that is... more info
One of her bests:
This is my most favorite disc among Chung's many excellent records. Specially for Tchaikovsky, it seems like the characters of the piece and the player has come to such a match. There're tons of records for this much loved concerto, and some can be told as more solid, powerful, and technically more brilliant; yet I wonder if there's one that can be a comparison to Chung's interpretation in the terms of passion and (more importantly) lasting frechness. She really makes this worn-out piece alive and... more info
Lyrical majesty - Real music:
This is music that touches the heart. It seems to flow from the speakers and into the listener. Wonderful violin tone, a spacious recorded ambience, and virtuoso playing - these are there but are secondary to the musical experience.
Hard to believe that this was the first major recording of a young violinist. This is a keeper.
Tracks:
Vn Con: I. Allegro moderato
Vn Con: II. Canzonetta. Andante/III. Finale-Allegro vivacissimo
Vn Con: I. Allegro molto appassionato/II. Andante
Vn Con: III. Allegretto non troppo-Allegro molto vivace
