Zukerman plays Tchaikovsky - Violin Concerto (1969 Debut) [Part 4/4]

[nonar1]

Highlight at 05:46 !!

"it's the little humming bird"

[sailormann1]

I have a fun story about Zukerman playing this piece: My parents have a good old CD recording (CBS Masterworks DDD recording- not posted) of Zukerman playing this piece with Zubin Mehta conducting the Israel Symphony??? PhilOrh?Mentioned to my mom that I'd heard "stomping" on off-beats during the climax of the final movement, and "Wow, Mehta really stomps on the conductor's podium, Doesn't he?" And my mom, having seen Zukerman perform live said no, it's Pinkie who stomps!!!! Mics picked it up!

[hazelssister]

Pinchas is the best !

[unclejuniorsoprano]

At 4.32 and then at 8.26 it appears as though he stumbles through these notes. Zukerman recorded this same concerto again in the 1980s and played these passages exactly the same way. I have never figured out why he plays it this way. No other violinist plays them this way. He is unique.

It is stated, on the back of the record jacket, that Zukerman sounds like Heifetz. Ridiculous! Zukerman's tone is deep & rich, similar to Christian Ferras', whereas Heifetz's is ineffably unique.

[Srouble]

I've only had a few masterclasses with him, But I'm fortunate enough to live in Ottawa where Pinchas either performs or conducts every two weeks or so, I'm hoping to eventually join the orchestra hes the artistic director of, at the National Arts Center.

[designandsketch]

@Srouble Well agreed. I am so delighted to be in Ottawa. One of the reasons make Ottawa leavable compared to Montreal.

Hope you will make it to the orchestra. I can't wait for Beethoven's 9th in june

[taiwan886]

PZ sounds great---as always...

emotionally, I feel more expression from Janine Jansen...what do you think?

[calloffthedogs]

Pinky's tone is sooo strong. The sound is that of a heavy bow arm, but he swears up and down he doesnt have a heavy bow arm. I think he has as "dense" of sound as anyone. Just love it!!

[JustinDBernardino]

I actually have listened to both and I have to say that it wasn't really that difficult to choose. It's a matter of technique v. preference. Regardless if you are a musical genius as a judge you will have a bias. However, they are both very talented violinists. But based on technique, I wish I could see Zukerman's bowing for this because he's really getting those notes nicely. When I play, it's a tad more lighter.

[violinmusicfan]

We all have our preferences but in terms of standard of technique and distinctness of musical expression, they are pretty much equal. I like Kyung Wha Chung's fiery playing but maybe some prefer a more elegant/controlled approach to music and I like Zukerman's rich tone but maybe some prefer a more lean/silvery/shrill sound.

[Srouble]

I have done a masterclass with Pinchas Zukerman, and I must admit he is VERY particular about his bowing, He has a site where he masterclasses a student about the nowing of this piece, (Third movement) you should check it out!

[apaw19]

@Srouble yeah, it was not a masterclass the kid is actually his student and it is very interesting to watch the videos there. This student learned well now he's in the first violins section at the metropolitan opera in new york

[JustinDBernardino]

This is one of my favorite pieces for violin and orchestra and I have to say, that as a violinist myself, that del Gesu applied with Isaac Stern's training, and of course, Pinchas Zukerman's interpretation and pure talent, this piece was taken into new heights. Bravo.

[violinmusicfan]

This was recorded by Pinchas Zukerman in 1969 while it was recorded by Kyung Wha Chung in 1970. Both performances are with the London Symphony Orchestra. These two violinists were born in the same year (1948) and drew in the Leventritt Competition in 1967 where the judges found it impossible to decide on a winner. Try comparing their 2 recordings and perhaps you will understand the difficulties that the judges faced.

[calloffthedogs]

For me, I prefer Zukerman's tone to Chung. she is a fiery violinist with lots of technique. Her tone for me however is rather thin - perhaps because her fingers are so thin? Zukerman's sound is so full and rich. I heard that he was prey to nerves in competition which is why Chung tied him.

[violinmusicfan]

It is quite clear you are a Zukerman fan. I, on the other hand, as you might be able to tell, is on Kyung Wha Chung's team. Zukerman said that at the final stage of the competition, his nerves got to him and his fingers tangled up. However, he seemed to have a better chance of winning the competition as he was supported by the very powerful Isaac Stern who was on the jury. Ivan Galamian himself warned Chung of this. So, I don't think it is fair to say the reason they tied is his loss of cool :)

[calloffthedogs]

perhaps so. I think she is a wonderful player but her tone isnt as full bodied as his. Actually, I am a Kogan fan - in my opinion he easily surpasses both of Chung and Pinky.

[violinmusicfan]

Is he your favourite?

[calloffthedogs]

Kogan is my absolute favorite. I do think Chung is amazing though. Dont kid me wrong. Im probably not qualified to say this violinist is better than that violinist. I just know what I like.