Brahms: Violin Concerto, Op. 77 (With Commentary by Itzhak Perlman)

This classic 1977 recording comes complete with an exclusive commentary track on which violinist Itzhak Perlman shares his memories of recording Brahms’ Violin Concerto with the great Carlo Maria Giulini and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. When Perlman’s recording was released, it was instantly recognised as one of the finest ever made of Brahms’ masterwork. Perlman’s initial entry in the opening movement is immediately compelling, the finely traced figurations which follow conveying an emotional edginess above and beyond their ostensibly decorative function. Perlman’s grungy double-stopping brings grit and gravitas to the expansive, 25-minute opening movement, counterbalancing the soaring lyricism of his playing in quieter moments. Perlman’s honey-sweet singing tone comes to the fore in a vernally fresh account of the concerto’s beautiful slow movement. The finale, by contrast, bristles with athleticism, Perlman launching into Brahms’ vaulting dance-rhythms with a joyful swagger. Conductor Carlo Maria Giulini and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra play a major part. The ensemble’s burnished quality and Giulini’s scrupulously attentive accompaniment add significantly to the impact of what is unquestionably one of the great Brahms interpretations on record.