1/5 Could not agree more with "teva man"
  by printemps (italy)
I could not agree more with "teva man" regarding the Tschaikovsky performance. One of the worst I've ever heard. No wonder. Mr. Gitlis' specialties are either "tidbits" or Paganini, which makes him what we call a "fiddle player", not a "violinist" let alone a musician. Only technique. And even here we're certainly not at the top. His bowing is often unsatisfactory which results in a harsh sound. His phrasing lacks musicallity and taste and also the value of the notes is only an "option". (Ever tried to listen to his Franck sonata)??
As far as the conductor and the orchestra are concerned, they sure had a hard time. I know this from a very reliable source, the conductor, who happens to be my late husband. This kind of soloists, illogical, unmusical, unreliable, are what conductors hate most.
My advice as a musician. Don't buy.
Printemps65
Italy

2/5 Not Great
  by teva_man (United States)
Ivry Gitlis has always been an interesting violinist to follow. He definitely has his share of afficionados (as evidenced from the average five star Amazon rating of The Art of Ivry Gitlis CD set), he has excellent technique, and his contribution to the violin kingdom has been significant. However, his playing is unpalatable and often borders on unlistenable. Gitlis gives slapdash readings of nearly everything I've heard, and although he attempts to make good music, he usually fails - and badly. His interpretations seem as though he is in a hurry to finish one piece and move on to the next.

This disc offers a good selection of performances from the '60s and 70s - the Tchaikovsky Concerto (live performance), Paganini "La Campanella" (with orchestra), Wieniawski Polonaise #1, Albeniz' Malaguena, Saint-Saens Intro. & Rondo Capriccioso, Moszkowski/Sarasate Guitarre, a movement from the Bartok Solo Sonata, and the first movement of Brahms Sonata #3. The accompaniments by Tasso Janopoulo (Thibaud's frequent pianist) and Georges Pludermacher (Milstein's pianist for many years) are actually the best part of the performances. The orchestra and conductor for the Tchaikovsky seemed like they had a hard time following him, in one of the worst performances of it I've ever heard. The first movement cadenza is one of the greatest in the repertory - Gitlis has a few interesting things, including down-bow staccato embellishments - but as usual, he rushes through it and doesn't savor the moments. The Saint-Saens offers Gitlis' usual brilliant technique, particularly in the final hurl of semiquavers, but the rest of it is like he's on drugs; there are many odd "sentimental" crescendo/decrescendo swells. Pludermacher's piano accompaniment is actually quite enjoyable - and a refreshing change from the orchestral accompaniment of this overplayed piece.

The Bartok solo sonata and the Paganini are the best things on this disc - the music seems to suit Gitlis' style much better than anything else offered here.

Although this disc offers EMI's usual fine effort in presenting archive performances, this particular disc is not recommended.



5/5 Breathtaking virtuosity AND artistry!!!!!
  by Sung-Duk Song
It is so wonderful to see my friend and mentor, Ivry Gitlis on top form. The Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto is HAIRraising!!!!!!!!!!! and the Brahms Sonata was absolutely stunning. His control of the bow to achieve optimal brilliance, colour and tonal shadings is inimitable. Although recorded in the 1960's/70's, his interpretations far exceed his time and are still unmatched by any violinist today.