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Discussion: Brahms, Goldmark: Violin Concertos - Milstein

Posts: 3

Post by canonical January 6, 2014 (1 of 3)
I purchased this based on the positive review given here ... I mainly purchased it for the Goldmark -- though after listening to Milstein's version here from the 1950s, I would say that I much prefer my rendition by Perlman on LP.

For the Brahms, it turned out that the interest for me was actually the 1st movement cadenza which is Milstein's own, but the Praga disc entirely fails to mention this; in fact, the rather poor notes allude to the cadenza being by Joachim (which it is not). I am a Milstein fan, but I find this rendition of the Brahms to be a bit cold and lacking in emotional warmth, though others plainly do like it more than me.

At the end of the day, the sonics are fairly muffled and below average, so I am not sure what is gained by putting this on SACD. It is true that the CD layer and the SACD layer sound different ... but if they both sound fairly mish-mashy, it's all really much of a muchness. More problematic, I think I prefer the CD layer, which is not entirely helpful. For some reason, the SACD layer seem very base heavy???? And under those circumstances, I suspect one might as well stick to the CD release (various couplings exist) which one can buy for about $1 on Amazon.

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Addendum: The solo Bach Chaconne excerpt (last track) sounds MUCH better on the SACD layer than on the CD layer. It's the main concerto tracks that seem base heavy on the SACD layer.

Post by mwgfrg February 5, 2014 (2 of 3)
Revisited this recording since my review, and agree there is more bass on the SACD transfer, but it comes out of my multichannel system as helping to clearly define the sound of the orchestra in the hall. And after all, it IS Brahms.

Post by Akilia February 28, 2014 (3 of 3)
I am inclined to agree with you that the SACD has better concert hall sound definition than the cd layer. I listen always to the sacd.
I have the uk vinyl LP, and Testament 1995 remastered cd but both the sacd and cd layers produce far better violin sound fidelity and better overall orchestral clarity than the cd release. I slightly prefer the sacd to the LP because of more transparent clarity overall, though the LP is getting on a bit now.
Well done for this sacd remaster.
I'd suggest also enjoying this wonderful flowing and lyrical version of the Brahms, one of my favourite archive versions. I do agree the bass perhaps bit more prominent than in the LP on my system, and still not boomy, but seems the stage depth and width of the orchestra develops properly once your ears adjust after a couple of seconds.
O

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