Mischa Elman - Tschaikowsky Vn. Concerto - Part 1

Mischa Elman (1891-1967) performing the Tschaikowsky Violin Concerto for Victor in 1929. London Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Barbirolli. A violinist generally not well thought of these days. But he was immensely popular in the teens and '20's. From the Romantic tradition when the interpreter was more important than the composer. His career was eclipsed by Heifetz and others who adhered more closely to the score. Only Kreisler from the earlier era was able to maintain his popularity. Elman's later recordings were often perverse. He made only a few recordings of major works and unfortunately mostly when he was past his prime. The Tschaikowsky concerto reveals him in his prime and is generally considered his best recording. Perfect intonation and a distinctive tone with a rapid impulse vibrato. A very passionate performance which I like a lot. Unfortunately Victor recordings of this period tend to be a bit gritty.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Elman
• Tschaikowsky
• Barbirolli
• orthophonic

[2ndAveLine]

Damn- that Elman tone is even sweeter than Isaac Stern's!

And at 6:50 he plays that same Auer embellishment as Heifetz, very cool to hear.

[merrihew]

He maintained the tone but his phrasing was often perverse towards the end. The late records are often difficult to listen to.

[RimmelLipstickLover]

The "perverse phrasing" is rubato. I have no difficulty listening to anything by Elman, in fact he simply continued to improve. He is the greatest violinst who has ever lived.

[merrihew]

Look, I like Elman a lot. And yes, the awkward phrasing is rubato but in his later years it was used erratically. Even his long time piano accompanist said it was hard to follow him.

[arpeggione51]

Thank you for sharing with us this surprising and wonderful performance, it's a big pleasure to listen such an original musician&violonist.

[BugsWisely]

@2ndviolinist I don't understand why his pianist would say he was hard to follow when Elman's playing depends on the tutti keeping the beat which Elman rubatos. lol

[LKLKILY]

No wonder he rank no. 8 all time.

[2ndviolinist]

@BugsWisely No. Because you made 2 really deprecatory, misguided comments on this wonderful performance and have not limited such to this alone. Sometimes I get fed up.

[BugsWisely]

Did anyone ever tell you that you are the most depressing person they ever met? There are very obviously some bugs in your head. Why on earth would anyone make a point to molest a deaf philistine?

[2ndviolinist]

Are you aware "TheChaspoll" has posted part 2 of your upload with no acknowledgement? I'm assuming that's not your 2nd channel. BTW, this my favorite post on YT in my book - I play it or recommend it to everyone.

All the best,

Doug