Album

Elegantly edgy and sweetly steeled, this 1964 recording of Beethoven's Violin Concerto by Austrian violinist Wolfgang Schneiderhan is a relic of a bygone era, a time when objectivity counted for more than subjectivity and technical perfection meant more than interpretive spirit. Accompanied by the excellent István Kertész and the London Symphony Orchestra, Schneiderhan turns in performances that are coolly polished and consummately musical, if not especially fiery or involving. Schneiderhan's 1956 recording of Brahms' D minor Violin Sonata with pianist Carl Seemann is more overtly expressive if less technically accomplished, and the 1964 recording of Beethoven's Egmont Overture by Kertész and the London Symphony Orchestra from the same concert as the concerto proves more ardent and less reserved than the concerto. BBC's live sound is acceptable in the Beethoven works but scrappy in the Brahms. In sum, a fine disc for Schneiderhan's fans that is unlikely to make any new converts to his cause.

© James Leonard, Rovi

CD 1
Ludwig van Beethoven Composer Egmont (incidental music, after Goethe's play), Op.84 Work Recorded 1964 Wolfgang Schneiderhan Violin, Istvan Kertesz Conductor, London Symphony Orchestra Orchestra
1	1.Overture: Sostenuto, ma non troppo. Allegro	9:48			$1.49
Ludwig van Beethoven Composer Violin Concerto in D, Op.61 Work Recorded 1964 44:13 Wolfgang Schneiderhan Violin, Istvan Kertesz Conductor, London Symphony Orchestra Orchestra
2	1.Allegro ma non troppo	23:35			$3.99
3	2.Larghetto	10:25			$1.99
4	3.Rondo: Allegro	10:13			$1.99
Johannes Brahms Composer Violin Sonata No.3 in D-, Op.108 Work Recorded 1956 21:00 Wolfgang Schneiderhan Violin, Carl Seemann Piano
5	1.Allegro	7:50			$1.49
6	2.Adagio	4:41			$0.99
7	3.Un poco presto e con sentimento	2:31			$0.99
8	4.Finale: Presto agitato	5:58			$0.99