Sunday 11 March 2012

Tchaikovsky - Violin Concerto [Chung/ Previn-London Symphony Orchestra]

Another great performance, i wasn't wowed by the Sibelius coupling, too tame, Chung indulges herself in some slow playing, and the white heat of the Concerto rather cools, but the Tchaikovsky is another matter, nice and passionate, bringing out the bewitching gypsy dance of the violin, walking back from Church, this was just what i need.

Kyung-Wha Chung is South Korean, now 63 years old, this Concerto was recorded in 1970 when she was just 22, this disc comes from a re-issued series from Kyung-Wha Chung, the photos are impressive [by Susesch Bayat], and this one's a clear head and shoulders shot, with violin in hand, nice dark background, really well done.

Well i find it hard pressed to choose some part of this Concerto which rises above the rest. it's all so very good, from the inventive opening ideas, to the glorious closing conclusion, via the wistful middle Canzonetta, i suppose on this listen it's that Canzonetta that i would have to plump for, 

Here's Kyung-Wha Chung playing the second movement Canzonetta on YouTube.