Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical music with Nathan Milstein's captivating album, "Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto / Encores." This exquisite collection, released on Naxos in 2007, showcases Milstein's virtuosity and deep connection with the violin, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that span various genres within classical music.
The centerpiece of the album is Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35, a masterpiece that Milstein performs with unparalleled grace and precision. The concerto is divided into three movements: the lively "Allegro moderato," the serene "Canzonetta. Andante," and the exhilarating "Finale. Allegro vivacissimo." Each movement is a testament to Milstein's technical prowess and emotional depth.
Beyond the concerto, the album features a delightful array of encores, including arrangements by L. Anderson and S. Dushkin. Highlights include the enchanting "Auf Flugeln des Gesänges (On Wings of Song)" from Schumann's 6 Gesänge, Op. 34, the nostalgic "Old Folks at Home," and the hauntingly beautiful "Ellens Gesang III (Ave Maria!)" by Schubert. These pieces, along with others like "Après un rêve" by Fauré and "Chanson russe," demonstrate Milstein's versatility and his ability to bring out the unique character of each composition.
The album also includes shorter pieces that showcase Milstein's ability to convey a wide range of emotions in a concise format. Pieces like "Poupée valsante (Dancing Doll)" from Massenet's 7 Marionnettes and "Mazurka in D Major" from Chopin's 2 Mazurkas, Op. 19, add a touch of whimsy and charm to the collection.
With a duration of just over an hour and ten minutes, this album is a perfect companion for those seeking a refined and sophisticated listening experience. Nathan Milstein's masterful playing and the careful selection of pieces make this album a standout in the world of classical music. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2007 Naxos2007 Naxos
Tracks
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35, TH 59: I. Allegro moderatoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Nathan Milstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35, TH 59: II. Canzonetta. AndantePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Nathan Milstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35, TH 59: III. Finale. Allegro vivacissimoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Nathan Milstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
6 Gesänge, Op. 34, No. 2. Auf Flugeln des Gesänges: 6 Songs, Op. 34: No. 2, Auf Flugeln des Gesänges (On Wings of Song) [arr. L. Anderson for violin and orchestra]Felix Mendelssohn, Nathan Milstein, RCA Victor Orchestra, Arthur Fiedler
Old Folks at Home (Arr. L. Anderson for violin and orchestra)Stephen Foster, Nathan Milstein, RCA Victor Orchestra, Arthur Fiedler
Ellens Gesang III (Ave Maria!), Op. 52, No. 6, D. 839, "Hymne an die Jungfrau" [arr. L. Anderson]Franz Schubert, Nathan Milstein, RCA Victor Orchestra, Arthur Fiedler
Schwanengesang, D. 957, No. 4. Standchen (Serenade): Schwanengesang, D. 957: No. 4, Standchen [Serenade] [arr. L. Anderson for violin and orchestra]Franz Schubert, Nathan Milstein, RCA Victor Orchestra, Arthur Fiedler
Après un rêve, Op. 7, No. 1: 3 Songs, Op. 7: No. 1, Après un rêve (Arr. L. Anderson for violin and orchestra)Gabriel Fauré, Nathan Milstein, RCA Victor Orchestra, Arthur Fiedler
7 Marionnettes, No. 2. Poupée valsante (Dancing Doll): 7 Marionnettes: No. 2, Poupée valsante [Dancing Doll] [arr. L. Anderson for violin and orchestra]Ede Poldini, Nathan Milstein, RCA Victor Orchestra, Arthur Fiedler
Meditation in D Major, Op. 32Alexander Glazunov, Nathan Milstein, Artur Balsam
Chanson russe (Arr. S. Dushkin for violin and piano)Igor Stravinsky, Nathan Milstein, Artur Balsam
2 Mazurkas, Op. 19: No. 2, Mazurka in D Major, "Dudziarz" (Le menetrier)Henryk Wieniawski, Nathan Milstein, Artur Balsam
Still wie die Nacht, Op. 326, No. 27 (Calm as the Night): Calm as the Night [Still wie die Nacht], Op. 326, No. 27Karl Böhm, Ezio Pinza, Nathan Milstein, Gibner King
6 Romances, Op. 6 (text by L.A. Mey): 6 Romances, Op. 6: No. 6, None but the Lonely HeartPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Ezio Pinza, Nathan Milstein, Gibner King