Tchaikovsky & Glazunov: Violin Concertos

In this recording, both the violinist and conductor excel to give real life to an overplayed "warhorse" of a concerto. The Tchaikovsky can often come across as a rather empty, unfulfilling work in less capable hands, with a wealth of opportunity for very ugly phrasing in the first movement. However, Vengerov once again produces a marvellous, very Slavic performance; out playing, in my opinion, David Oistrakh. Oistrakh's recording with Ormandy is similar to this one, but Verngerov plays with more youthful vigour, without sacrificing technical mastery. Also, Abbado's accompaniment is thrillingly compelling, with very alert playing from the BPO. Of course, it is a futile exercise in claiming that a certain recording is "definitive", everyone has different tastes. Thus, I, unlike others, am not going to join in the argument about whether this outranks Heifetz's olympic-style dash for the finishing post, but if one wants a performance that makes the best possible case for the Tchaikovsky (and the Glazunov, for that matter), with good digital sound, then look no further.