Clement, F.: Violin Concerto - Beethoven, L. Van: Violin Concerto, Op. 61

Beethoven Violin Concerto = Rachel Barton Pines

     

This recorded performance is the definition of perfection. You have read those words before no doubt. This time it really is different.

I have owned a couple of dozen different versions of the Beethoven Violin Concerto in my 57 yrs. Until I heard Ms. Pine's performance, I had not heard a violin ring as much. I would never expect mine to sound like this. However, after re-listening to 6 of my other recordings again, I must say the other maestros performances are obviously lacking by comparison. I cannot say if it is the improved recording methods or the violinist's playing. But there is a definitive difference.

The quality of her performance from the end of the cadenza in the first movement for the remainder of the piece is remarkable. There is a delicacy to the notes themselves unfound in any other recorded performance I have heard. A Jascha Heifetz live recording at the Hollywood Bowl comes close. Heifetz has the added benefit of crickets in the backgraound.

Ms. Pine's 2nd movement performance rings in a way one can not hear elsewhere. Her ability to take advantage of every harmonic and sympathetic vibration in her instrument is astounding. Her 3rd movement is joyous with the added benefit of her unique tone quality in places Beethoven must have dreamt of as he wrote this.

You cannot buy a better recorded performance of this piece.

I have not been compensated in any manner for writing this. I am, however, compensated every time I listen to the Beethoven Violin Concerto as performed by Rachel Bartin Pine.

Samuel M. Prince