Credits:

TCHAIKOVSKY / BARTOK

Description:

The second Lucerne Festival on the Audite label features Isaac Stern's Tchaikovsky (1958) and Bartok No. 2 (1956) live in Lucerne, the city that holds fond memories of his European debut. The first master release from the acclaimed Audite label's remarkable Lucerne Festival Series. Following the first release by Haskil & Kassadosh (AU95623), the second release is Isaac Stern's Tchaikovsky and Bartok 2nd Violin Concertos! Although Stern never performed in Germany, he made his European debut at the Lucerne Festival in 1948 and participated actively for 40 years from his first appearance until 1988, when he could be considered a regular participant. In addition to the concerto recorded here, he also gave many great performances with his trio with Eugene Istomin (pf) and Leonard Rose (vc) in the 1960s and later. This recording of Tchaikovsky and Bartok No. 2 is a superb performance with the technique of Stern in his late 30s. Stern used a Guarneri del Gesu "Panetto," which was his favorite instrument until the mid-1960s. The G line is thick and the E line has an appealing pronounced tone that can be heard clearly all the way to the last seat.Stern's typical approach to speaking to the audience is exceptional, and although the performance is in mono, it conveys a sense of realism. The orchestra is the former Lucerne Festival Orchestra (Swiss Festival Orchestra), which was organized in 1938 as the resident orchestra of the Lucerne Festival, and was discontinued in the 1990s. The Lucerne Festival Orchestra is the most famous festival orchestra in the world. Tchaikovsky was conducted by Lorin Maazel, who was 28 years old at the time. He was a truly up-and-coming conductor who enlivened the orchestra's performance. Maazel was recognized by Toscanini at a young age and was originally a violinist, so his conducting of the Violin Concerto was exceptional, and he and Stern played in perfect harmony. On the other hand, Bartók No. 2 was conducted by Anselme, who was 73 years old at the time of the performance, and we can hear a masterful performance that transcends generations between the great master and Stern, who was in his late 30s. Anselme, who insisted that "one should follow the spirit of the composer," gives an interpretation that approaches the essence of Bartók. King International

Tracklisting:

1.Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35: 1. Allegro moderato - Moderato assai
2.Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35: 2. Canzonetta. Andante - attacca subito
3.Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35: 3. Finale. Allegro vivacissimo
4.Violin Concerto No. 2, Sz 112: 1. Allegro non troppo
5.Violin Concerto No. 2, Sz 112: 2. Andante tranquillo
6.Violin Concerto No. 2, Sz 112: 3. Allegro molto