David Oistrakh (1908-1974) was without a doubt one of the greatest violinists and has his place in musical history among other legends of the instrument such as Jascha Heifetz, Nathan Milstein, Yehudi Menuhin or Isaac Stern. He was also the most renowned Soviet violinist, famed for the fullness of
David Oistrakh (1908-1974) was without a doubt one of the greatest violinists and has his place in musical history among other legends of the instrument such as Jascha Heifetz, Nathan Milstein, Yehudi Menuhin or Isaac Stern. He was also the most renowned Soviet violinist, famed for the fullness of his tone, his unequaled sense of legato, a warm, powerful and deep sound, his incredible mastery of the bow, and an immediately recognisable sonority.
The first CD is dedicated to Beethoven, with the wonderful version of the Beethoven Violin Concerto (complete) with André Cluytens - a moment of pure poetry. The second disc includes Mozart concertos with the Berliner Philharmoniker, the sinfonia concertante with Oistrakh's son Igor, and the wistful Légende by Wieniawski. The final disc's Brahms Violin Concerto features George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra in a recording full of panache, enthusiasm and vitality. It is followed by excerpts of the Double Concerto with Pierre Fournier, the Symphonie espagnole by Lalo, and Sonatas by Brahms and Franck accompanied by the virtuoso's friend Vladimir Yampolsky.