Great Violinists - Kaufmann (2CD)

Issued in 1947, this is the very first recording of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. It won violinist Louis Kaufman (1905-1994) the Grand Prix du Disques, was introduced into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002, and has been credited with reviving interest in Vivaldi's music. Kaufman discovered the other eight concertos in Op. 8, then unknown, in Brussels, and recorded them, plus a two-violin concerto, in Zurich in 1950. A multiple prize-winner, he was an internationally renowned soloist and chamber musician, made 150 classical recordings, and also acted as concertmaster in 500 famous movie soundtracks. This 2-CD set proves that he was a splendid virtuoso. It is also a fascinating reminder of how baroque music was played before the period-instrument revolution. Kaufman, and the two excellent orchestras that support him, approach these concertos like romantic bravura pieces, from an entirely instrumental perspective: if it sounds good, do it. The tone is lush, intense, vibrant; Kaufman's--pure, warm and beautiful--stands out clearly. The fast movements are fleet, crisp and brilliant, the slow ones sing expressively. Rhythm is strict, a bit square, every movement ends with a huge ritard. There is no attempt to reproduce Vivaldi's sound effects, though echoes abound. Most startling of all are the incessant, often heavy slides, which almost outnumber the notes. The concertos are lovely but a bit similar, apart from the "Four Seasons" and the double concerto, which is full of surprising, imaginative modulations and chromaticisms; its stratospheric solo parts are played brilliantly. --Edith Eisler