Violin Concerto in D major

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

D major

Maxim Vengerov / Claudio Abbado / Berlin Philharmonic

1995

A 'great digital version.' Vengerov is a 'supreme virtuoso' but also a 'thoughtful artist' who brings out softer aspects. Very exciting.

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David Oistrakh / Franz Konwitschny / Dresden Staatskapelle

1954 Mono recording

Gil's preference. Mono. Shows Oistrakh 'at his best,' with 'virtuosity,' 'warmth to his playing,' and 'beautiful fluidity'.

Leonid Kogan / Constantin Silvestri / Paris Conservatoire Orchestra

1959

Rough sound, but Kogan was 'just a real passionate performer' and 'a great virtuoso'.

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Jascha Heifetz / Sir John Barbirolli / London Philharmonic

1937 Historic recording

Gil prefers this earlier Heifetz. 'He gives the piece a little bit more time to breathe,' showing 'supreme virtuosity' and 'supreme artistry'.

Bronislaw Huberman / William Steinberg / Berlin Staatskapelle

1928 Historic recording

Gil's 'favorite.' 'Huberman's Tchaikovsky Concerto just has to be heard.' 'Virtuosity with this artistic imagination and warmth and heart.' Pretty good 1928 sound.

Bronislaw Huberman / Eugene Ormandy / New York Philharmonic

1946 Live recording

Also one of the best. A live recording. Tone is 'a little bit more raw,' but still 'one of the best... I've ever heard'.

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