These performances have been kicking around for a while on various labels, most recently Brilliant Classics, but this coupling is very logical, and if you don’t want to invest in a multi-disc set this issue is certainly worth your attention. The performances, dating from the early 1950s, feature Oistrakh in his prime, which means that they are pretty stupendous from just about any point of view. The Brahms offers an ideal combination of solidity and passion, although later recordings in stereo with Klemperer and Szell feature finer orchestral support and, naturally, better sound. The Dvorák, though, is better engineered, with a less screechy orchestra, and features playing of simply marvelous lyrical beauty and rhythmic strength, particularly in the finale, which dances as vigorously as any other version on disc. Certainly this version is preferable to the live, somewhat dim recording with Ancerl formerly available on Praga. In short, these are two classic performances that no violin fancier should miss.
