In November, 1931, 15-year-old Yehudi Menuhin made his first recording with an orchestra. He remade the Bruch G minor Concerto several times since, but these versions don’t come within spitting distance of this remarkable performance. His technique and intonation are impeccable, and his pure, warm tone communicates with vibrancy and expression. Credit also must be given to conductor Landon Ronald’s sturdy support, despite a slightly ragtag London Symphony. The orchestra plays better under Edward Elgar’s sweeping baton in the classic 1932 recording of his Violin Concerto. Here as before, the teenage Menuhin far surpasses his adult remake with Boult. Mark Obert-Thorn’s restorations boast more ambiance, room tone, and air between the notes than Biddulph’s Bruch transfer, or EMI’s latest incarnation of the Elgar.
