Brahms: Orchestral Works

Album review

Despite being highly sought-after as both a soloist and recitalist during the peak of his career, violinist Zino Francescatti's name often does not appear on historic CD releases as perhaps it should. Fancying himself as more of a pyrotechnic master of Paganini, he was nonetheless more appreciated by the public for his lyric playing. This recording of the Brahms concerto with Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra is a stunning example of both of these positive characteristics. Recorded in monaural sound in 1956, this new CD transfer still manages a remarkably round, full sound. Francescatti's playing is very clear and warm; nimbly played passages in the upper registers are crisp without being too bright and his G-string playing is deep and sensual. Perhaps because of his fondness for the more dazzling compositions of Paganini, however, listeners should be aware that the first movement of this concerto is quite quick -- the fastest in memory, actually. Francescatti and Ormandy hold it together, though, and manage somehow to keep it from seeming rushed or impatient. This album features another magnificent historic performance of Brahms' Second Symphony, again with Ormandy and the Philadelphia. The legendary warmth of Ormandy's string section immediately comes to the forefront of this controlled but energetic performance. Ideally suited for listeners who may have overlooked Francescatti's career in the past, as well as fans of the Ormandy/Philadelphia combination, this album is a broadly appealing success.

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