About this Artist

• Biography
• Interview

Editorial Reviews

For collectors of recordings by Latvian violinist Gidon Kremer, this 10-disc set called Historical Russian Archives will be just the thing to fill the stray gaps in his discography. Recorded between 1967 and 1992, the sound here ranges from the acceptable to the outstanding, and featuring works from Bach's "Chaconne" to Salmanov's "Second Violin Sonata," the repertoire ranges from the extremely well known to the almost unknown. But if one collects Kremer, neither the sound nor the repertoire will matter as much as the playing, and in that department these performances never disappoint. Kremer is, of course, a supreme virtuoso and nothing in any of these works is technically above him: not the insanely difficult acrobatics of Ernst's "Caprice" on Schubert's "Erlkönig," not the preposterously demanding extended techniques of Stockhausen's excerpts from "Tierkreis," not even the nearly demented expressive content of Schoenberg's "Fantasy for violin and piano." Beyond technique, however, Kremer is a supreme interpreter and nothing in works as disparate as Biber's searing "Mystery Sonata" and Lourié's etiolated "Concerto da Camera" escapes him. But the best thing about Kremer's playing is his absolute refusal to compromise. Whatever the repertoire, Kremer gives all he has to the music. He is ineffably sweet in Schubert's "Trockne Blumen Variations," deeply affecting in Chausson's "Poeme," and wildly exciting in Paganini's "Caprice No. 17," and just as convincing in Schubert as he is in Stockhausen. While not for everyone, this disc will be mandatory listening for anyone who loves Kremer. James Leonard, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

• Listener Rating: