Carmen Fantasie
Anne-SophieMutter obviously had fun making this disc. In the quiet pieces (Massenet,  Ysaÿe, Fauré) which serve as interludes, she plays with her usual exquisite taste. In the showpieces,  though, she goes to town, sliding, scooping, exaggerating, and letting all the stops out. The gypsy  inflection she uses in Ravel'sTziganeand Sarasate'sZigeunerweisenis delicious.  Even a ridiculous orchestral arrangement of Tartini'sDevil's TrillSonata is more amusing  than offensive. With James Levine and the Berlin Philharmonic providing uncommonly alert and  powerful support, and Deutsche Grammophon's realistic sound, this disc is a real treat for violin  lovers.--Leslie Gerber