CD
Elegantly edgy and sweetly steeled, this 1964 recording of Beethoven's "Violin Concerto" by Austrian violinist Wolfgang Schneiderhan is a relic of a bygone era, a time when objectivity counted for more than subjectivity and technical perfection meant more than interpretive spirit. Accompanied by the excellent István Kertész and the London Symphony Orchestra, Schneiderhan turns in performances that are coolly polished and consummately musical, if not especially fiery or involving. Schneiderhan's 1956 recording of Brahms' "D minor Violin Sonata" with pianist Carl Seemann is more overtly expressive if less technically accomplished, and the 1964 recording of Beethoven's "Egmont Overture" by Kertész and the London Symphony Orchestra from the same concert as the concerto proves more ardent and less reserved than the concerto. BBC's live sound is acceptable in the Beethoven works but scrappy in the Brahms. In sum, a fine disc for Schneiderhan's fans that is unlikely to make any new converts to his cause. James Leonard, All Music Guide