Sublime

Brahms: Concerto for Violin & Orchestra in D, Op. 77 ; Double Concerto for Violin, Cello & Orchestra in a, Op. 102; Sonata for Violin & Piano  No. 3 in d, Op. 108

David Oistrakh, Violin Mtsilav Rostropovich, Cello Vladimir Yampolski, Piano (Sonata), Cleveland Orchestra, George Szell, Conductor.

Recorded in 1969 (the year before Szell’s death).

This writer has heard more recordings of these basic-repertoire standards than he can possibly recall, but this one escaped him until today. Not surprisingly, given the magnitude of the artists, this one surpasses all the others, despite the fierce competition; every great violinist and/or cellist has had a go at recording these works, often with superb results, but this one tops them all in my view.

There is a relaxed quality to the playing of the works here, though paradoxically, a terrific intensity as well. The intonation of the soloists is spot on throughout, and the playing of the orchestra, considered by many the best in the world then, is flawless.

The only downside is the audio. Severance Hall was never the greatest venue for recording, though improvements had been made at Szell’s behest, and this listener detected a bit of grit, despite the hi-res, 5517 kbps 24-bit, 192 kHz streaming, the highest rate at present.

The playing is such though, your ears should quickly tune out the technical deficiencies, allowing you to hear the superlative playing of all the forces.

The photograph on the album should give a hint  about this recording: even Szell is smiling, a rarity for the great man.