Zino Francescatti: Great Violin Concertos: Mendelssohn / Bruch / Saint-Saens / Tchaikovsky / Prokofiev / Chausson
In the early 1950s, when these recordings were made, Zino Francescatti ranked among the top violin virtuosos of the day. This 2-disc set is a reminder of how good he was, and the excellent transfers enhance the pleasure. The partnership with Mitropoulos strikes sparks in the concertos, the violinist's Franco-Belgian style and natural elegance playing off of Mitropoulos's volatility and tension to good effect. Their pairing of the Mendelssohn and Tchaikowsky Concertos welds poetry to drama in exactly the right proportions. Francescatti's sweet tone makes for a natural fit with the Bruch, and his Saint-Saens's 3rd has been matched but hardly bettered. The Prokofiev is also very fine, with a moving Andante. The Chausson is poised. Outstanding performances by a great violinist.--Dan Davis