Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Violin Concerto In E Minor, op. 64 / Max Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 In G Minor, op. 26 – Ion Voicou (v) and the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos
Format: 1LP 180g 33rpm / standard sleeve
Release month: 1/2021
Manufacturer: Analogphonic
Original label: Decca
Genre: Classical
Ion Voicou appears to have most of the solo violinist’s desirable virtues. His technique is admirably assured (no scrapes or smudges in the finale of the Bruch Concerto); his tone is sweet and clear (no misplaced soupiness in the Andante of the Mendelssohn); his phrasing throughout is ample and long-breathed … the orchestral contribution is very good indeed and so is the recording.
Gramophone
The Mendelssohn and Bruch Concertos seem to be made for each other, and have always remained a favoured pairing. The recordings date from 1965, and are two of the finest readings I have ever come across. Nicely paced, Voicu projects a warm, luscious and pure tone. Technically accomplished, they are dispatched with elegance, polish and refinement. Portamenti are tasteful and used sparingly for expressive effect. This is notably so in the lyrical passages of the Bruch. Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos provides admirable support, as he did for Menuhin in the Mendelssohn Concerto six years later in 1971, again with the LSO.
Music Web International