Ion Voicou Mendelssohn Violin Concerto In E Minor & Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 In G Minor 180g Import LP

Violinist Ion Voicou performs Mendelssohn and Bruch violin concertos with the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos. Recorded at Kingsway Hall, February 17, 18 and 20, 1965.

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.

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.