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Ginette Neveu Plays Brahms

Recordings: I must say I am stunned by her Brahms!

From Dwayne Brice
Posted February 22, 2004 at 08:10 PM

Greetings!

I recently purchased the Dutton recording of Ginette Neveu playing the Brahms Violin Concerto (w/Suk Four Pieces, Op.17; Chopin Nocturne No. 20; Ravel Tzigane; Falla Danse Espagnole; Dinici Hora Staccato--budget priced to boot!) and I must say I am stunned by her Brahms! It is AMAZING!!!!! Her playing transforms the concerto. For years, many recordings (and I have heard many) have turned the Brahms into a soupy pseudo-violin-symphony, but Neveu plays the heck out of the concerto--controlling it like an honest dialogue between soloist and orchestra.

I was floored by her control of the instrument, her audacious attack on double stops and chords, and her impeccable sonority. This was, sadly to say, a late purchase, but I think it is probably the best version of the piece I have ever heard, with unbelievable clarity, passion and drama. To me, it sounds like the way I wish I could play it. Hearing this disc has also allowed me to get a sense of the tragedy of her early death, because, undoubtedly, she would stand higher than many of the men in her generation. The Poulenc sonata, dedicated in memory to Neveu, now holds an even more special meaning to me! (I also see where Mutter and Hahn have gotten their inspiration from for their Brahms recordings.) What a disc!! Any thoughts?

From lorenzo Z
Posted on February 22, 2004 at 07:45 PM

I will certainly try and get hold of a recording now, thanks for the recommendation!

From owen sutter
Posted on February 22, 2004 at 09:22 PM

is this the dobroven/philharmonic recording?

From Peter Rovit
Posted on February 23, 2004 at 12:24 AM

I know of 3 different Brahms recordings she made. The ones with Dorati and Schmidt-Isserstedt are live performances and The Dobrowen one is a studio recording. The studio recording is wonderful but I think the other 2 are even better.

From Dwayne Brice
Posted on February 23, 2004 at 01:46 AM

Hello! This is the Philharmonia Orchestra and Issay Dobrowen one.

From Erika Anderson
Posted on February 23, 2004 at 03:40 AM

her brahms is good but i dont like her tzigane..its not bad...but not good

From Carl Fulbrook
Posted on February 23, 2004 at 03:58 PM

I have the Schmidt-Isserstedt recording, which was certainly a revelation. While we're on the subject, what is your favourite recording of the Brahms violin concerto? I like Milstein/Fistoulari, Oistrakh/Szell and Perlman/Giulini.

Carl.

From Brian Bak
Posted on February 24, 2004 at 04:12 AM

I am a lover of the old generation of violinists, and Neveu's ranks up in my favourites. However, I find that Gil Shaham's interpretation is equally convincing and beautifully done.

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