Review: This recording of the Violin and Double Concerto under the BPO demonstrates that all of Karajan's powers had not left him once the digital age arrived. Generally in line with his previous Brahms interpretations, these recordings feature the textural "weighty smoothness" that made the BPO famous. Anne-Sophie provides a compelling performance in both concertos, but Antonio Meneses (currently in the "Where are they now?" file, apparently) is somewhat the weaker partner. Despite this, I'd have to say that the Double Concerto is the stronger performance of the two. Rich bass lines and solid string tone dominate with trumpets in the forefront where applicable, as is always the case with Karajan.

Sound quality is quite good with the original image bit processing revealing more detail and atmosphere than in other 80's Brahms recordings by DG under this orchestra and conductor (i.e, the timpani in the opening movement of the Double Concerto). One wishes that the whole cycle had been remastered in this way as it would vastly improve on the "mass of tone" sound image on the existing discs. Buy it and I'll bet you like it. ....

1. Concerto for Violin in D major, Op. 77 by Johannes Brahms (track 1-3)

Performer: Anne-Sophie Mutter (Violin)
Conductor: Herbert von Karajan
Orchestra/Ensemble: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Period: Romantic
Written: 1878; Austria
Date of Recording: 09/1981
Length: 40 Minutes 19 Secs.

2. Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor, Op. 102 "Double" by Johannes Brahms (track 4-6)

Performer: Antonio Meneses (Cello), Anne-Sophie Mutter (Violin)
Conductor: Herbert von Karajan
Orchestra/Ensemble: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Period: Romantic
Written: 1887; Austria
Date of Recording: 02/1983
Length: 34 Minutes 45 Secs.



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