Nevue Plays Brahms

I recently purchased the Dutton recording of Ginette Neveu playing the Brahms Violin Concerto (w/Suk Four Pieces, Op.17; Chopin Nocturne No. 20; Ravel Tzigane; Falla Danse Espagnole; Dinici Hora Staccato--budget priced to boot!) and I must say I am stunned by her Brahms! It is AMAZING!!!!! Her playing transforms the concerto. For years, many recordings (and I have heard many) have turned the Brahms into a soupy pseudo-violin-symphony, but Neveu plys the heck out of the concerto--controlling it like an honest dialogue between soloist and orchestra.

I was floored by her control of the instrument, her audacious attack on double stops and chords, and her impeccable sonority. This was, sadly to say, a late purchase, but I think it is probably the best version of the piece I have ever heard, with unbelievable clarity, passion and drama. Hearing this disc has also allowed me to get a sense of the tragedy of her early death, because, undoubtedly, she would stand higher than many of the men in her generation. The Poulenc sonata, dedicated in memory to Neveu, now holds an even more special meaning to me! (I also see where Mutter and Hahn have gotten their inspiration from for their Brahms recordings.) What a disc!! Definitely a must-buy!!!

Don't miss the chance to hear one of the few available recordings of her performances. If you can get past the sound quality (think of Toscanini) you will be amazed at the power and purity of her sound and interpretation.

Anthony Clarke's review states that her only recordings are of the Sibelius and the Brahms, but there is also a CD of her playing the Beethoven as well as Ravel's Tzigane and Chausson's Poeme-- it's on the "Historic Broadcast Performances" catalog of the "Music and Arts" company. If you can find it, buy it; it's one of the best recordings of the over-recorded concerto that I've heard.