Fans of great violin playing naturally will want to hear this outstanding sampling of the art of the young Itzhak Perlman, most of which has never been released on CD. The violinist blasts through Paganini’s Caprices Nos. 1, 16, and (of course) 24 with scrupulous technique and a total lack of inhibition. In the remaining works he’s well partnered by pianist David Garvey, best known for his work with soprano Leontyne Price. Among the items represented are some truly uncommon gems, such as Ben-Haim’s Berceuse Sfaradite, Hindemith’s sweet little Sonata Op. 11 No. 1, and a smoking performance of Bazzini’s La Ronde des lutins. Perlman gives a nod to the Baroque tradition (while remaining firmly within the modern school, obviously), with uncommonly exciting versions of Handel’s Sonata Op. 1 No. 15 and Leclair’s Op. 9 No. 3.
Rounding out the program are Bloch’s Nigun (gorgeous tone here) and two Spanish favorites–Sarasate’s Navarra Op. 33 and Kreisler’s arrangement of Falla’s Spanish Dance from La vida breve. The sonics balance the two players well considering Perlman’s predilection for remaining front and center, though the violin sometimes sounds as if it’s in a slightly different acoustic. Never mind. This is an outstanding tribute to one of the great names among violinists of any age, as well as a remarkably varied and interesting recital in its own right. As such, it’s self-recommending. [11/15/2004]
