What’s not to like? These two concertos were recorded during Mutter and Karajan’s “sweater period”, when all of their album covers, whether for DG or EMI, had them wearing some sort of knitwear that they’d mix ‘n match depending on whether the picture was on the front or back cover. Somehow it seems less of a fashion statement than it once did, if it ever did. Oh yeah, the music. Like I said, “What’s not to like?” Mutter’s playing at this early stage in her career was lovely, if a bit impersonal, and while Heifetz has everyone beat in the Mendelssohn (Mutter’s first movement could stand a bit more energy), she’s terrific in the Bruch. The slow movement sounds particularly gorgeous. Strangely, the piece seems to have all but vanished from today’s concert halls, and it’s good to be reminded just what an imaginative, well-written work it is. Karajan’s accompaniments are as sensitive and supportive as anyone could ask, though Mutter’s sweater looks uncomfortably bulky and der Meister’s looks like an old lady’s shawl. The early digital sound has slightly more warmth in this remastering, if still a touch of glare. Buy for the music. Classical chic has moved on apace.
