Two Words, One Answer.
minor appearances
 Zino Vinnikov Plays Fritz Kreisler $16.98 Zino Vinnikov Plays Fritz Kreisler is a breathtaking recording of some of the Viennese master's absolute gems, played by one of the most accomplished violinists I have ever heard. Zino Vinnikov has the rare capacity to ally delightful technical mastery with depth and subtlety of interpretation. It is, however, above all his exquisite tone and stunning phrasing that makes this CD stand out from all other recordings of Kreisler pieces (and, believe me, I own a few!). Sergey Maltsev provides a brilliantly equilibrated accompaniment on the piano. Vinnikov is indeed, as his label puts it, 'The Best-Kept Secret in the Classical Music Industry'. It is nothing short of amazing (or dare I say scandalous?) that music lovers have been denied this revelation for so long. I could not recommend this one more strongly - this is THE definitive Kreisler recording to own.  The Life and Works of Ludwig van Beethoven $35.99 This set is a fine introduction to Beethoven for a certain class of listeners. It is much too long, detailed, and serious for children. It is not for advanced musicologists, either. Author-narrator Jeremy Siepmann avoids musical analysis altogether, concentrating instead on biographical material about Beethoven and his friends and providing historical and social background. Siepmann's text is absorbing and is frequently illustrated with substantial music examples (usually complete movements) from the Naxos catalog. Unfortunately, the first such example (from the Seventh Symphony) sounds regrettably mushy, but otherwise, the performances are consistently rewarding. If Naxos has put together this set, with its very large booklet, partly to promote its catalog of Beethoven recordings, the company may well find listeners attracted by the examples offered. The complete reproduction of the spoken text seems like a waste of space and paper, but the remaining material in the booklet is intelligently written and useful. Even people generally familiar with Beethoven are sure to find something new and interesting here. --Leslie Gerber |
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