Best Recordings of 2014 (#9)

Time for a review of classical CDs that were outstanding in 2014 (published in whole on Forbes.com). My lists for the previous years: 2013, 2012, 2011, (2011 – “Almost”), 2010, (2010 – “Almost”), 2009, (2009 – “Almost”), 2008, (2008 - "Almost") 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004.

# 9 - New Release

Mieczysław Weinberg / Benjamin Britten, Violin Concertos, Linus Roth (violin), Mihkel Kütson (conductor), Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Challenge SACD 72627

M.Weinberg / B.Britten, Violin Concertos L.Roth / M.Kütson / DSO Berlin (Challenge SACD)

Linus Roth’s concerto disc to follow up the complete Mieczysław Weinberg Violin Sonatas has critics raving. It became a Gramophone Magazine Editor’s Choice with David Fanning comparing Roth favorably to Lenoid Kogan and Maxim Vengerov, extolling the subtlety, range of color, imagination and summing it up: “In short: an outstanding disc.” In the Financial Times Andrew Clark hones in on the Britten, which he writes “has never sounded so soft, sensuous or soul-bearing—and [this disc] reveals its stature like no other.” Graham Rickson from the artsdesk.com fawns “if any performer can popularize the [Weinberg concerto] it has to be the phenomenal Linus Roth, whose unflagging energy makes this CD one of the best concerto discs in years… [The Britten is] helped by gloriously rich, dark-toned orchestral playing… Unmissable, and recorded in sensational sound too.” I would love to say much the same about the performances (only so much: the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin (formerly RIAS) under Mihkel Kütson does play the hell out of both works!), but must recuse myself, having written the liner notes. Instead I limit myself to praising the composer, who has been experiencing one of the most deserving and enduring re-discoveries over the last 15 years.

# 9 – Reissue

Anton Bruckner, Symphony No.2 (1877 version), Carlo Maria Giulini (conductor), Vienna Symphony Orchestra, (Wiener Symphoniker)

A.Bruckner, Symphony No.2 C.M.Giulini / VSO (Wiener Symphoniker 004)

From Russia With Blood, Sweat, and Tears

See "Dip Your Ears, No. 179 (Giulini and the Wiener Symphoniker) | Remastered Master" .