David Oistrakh, one of the 20th century’s most revered violinists, delivers a masterful interpretation of two strikingly different yet equally compelling works in this 1962 The Decca Record Company release.
Max Bruch (1838–1920), a German Romantic composer, violinist, teacher, and conductor, wrote over 200 works, including three violin concertos. While his Violin Concerto No. 1 has become a staple of the repertoire, Scottish Fantasy—a work that freely incorporates Scottish folk melodies—was, in the opinion of George Bernard Shaw, superior to both of Bruch‘s actual violin concertos.
Paul Hindemith (1895–1963), a composer, theorist, teacher, violist, and conductor, was a key figure in 20th-century music. Founder of the Amar Quartetin 1921, he became a major proponent of the Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) movement. His compositions, including Kammermusik, often featured the viola and viola d’amore in a neo-Bachian spirit.
These two violin works, representing 19th and 20th century virtuoso concertos demand extraordinary skill—perhaps explaining why they are not performed more frequently despite their brilliance. David Oistrakh’s artistry requires no embellishment, but this recording holds special significance: it captures one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century performing one of its finest concertos, with the composer himself as conductor. The expansive finale of Hindemith’s concerto provides a stunning showcase of Oistrakh’s technical and interpretative prowess, its strong melodic lines enriched by Romantic overtones.
This release marks Oistrakh’s first Western recording of the Hindemith Violin Concerto and his first-ever complete recording of Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy. He performs on his 1702 “Fontana” Stradivarius, bringing unparalleled depth and warmth to these landmark performances.
Cut directly from the original analog master tapes, through our unique all valve 1965 Ortofon / Lyrec vinyl cutting system in stereo. No equalisation,compression or any other processing was added during the cutting process.
All sleeve artwork made by hand and authentically letter-pressed on a 1963 Heidelberg SB.
This edition of 300 copies is priced at £395.00 UK pounds and shipping at the end of February. Order here.
ERC sleeve (front).
ERC sleeve (rear).
ERC disc.
