Anne-Sophie Mutter, Kurt Masur - Beethoven: Violin Concerto, Romances (2003) [SACD]

2003 | Classical
SACD ISO: DST64 2.0, DST64 5.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 4.19 Gb
1

Don't let the "PCM" source scare you. The booklet says the original recording was 96k/24-bit, and it sounds hi-rez all the way. The dynamics, especially in the pianissimo end of the scale, are amazing. The violin sounds warm and blends into the sonic landscape of the orchestra better than some other works I've heard on "all DSD" recordings. If you're not familiar with this particular Beethoven piece, it has a rather "modern" 5-note motif that is initially startling, sounding (to my untrained ear) out-of-place in a romantic work. But the as the composer returns to this phrase, he weaves it into the fabric of the concerto so masterfully that by the end of the first movement, it becomes beautiful and comforting. So much for my amateur music criticism.
The two "Romances" are short pieces that are more traditional, and easier to like on first hearing.
As for Mutter's playing, perhaps ignorance on my part is bliss. Her rubato doesn't bother me, although there are a couple of places that I do wish she had called less attention to herself and let the music sing. Overall, a very satisfying listening experience.

1. Violin Concerto in D major, op.61 - 1. Allegro ma non troppo - 27:08
2. Violin Concerto in D major, op.61 - 2. Larghetto - 11:00
3. Violin Concerto in D major, op.61 - 3. Rondo. Allegro (cad. Kreisler) - 10:08
4. Romance for Violin and Orchestra No.1 in G major, op.40 - 7:10
5. Romance for Violin and Orchestra No.2 in F major, op.50 - 8:22