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Gil Shaham/Jian Wang/Claudio Abbado/Berlin Philharmonic
BRAHMS: VIOLIN CONCERTO/DOUBLE CONCERTO
(DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON)

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This is an outstanding disc. Shaham and Abbado pair up for one of the most insightful and beautifully executed recordings of the Violin Concerto to appear in recent memory. Shaham possesses a flawless technique, but even more impressive is his phrasing, which is oriented to the long line and never sounds foursquare. He also wields a vast dynamic range, his playing sometimes so quiet that it only just floats above the orchestral texture, giving the whole thing a true sense of collaboration. In the Double Concerto, Shaham and cellist Wang play off each other more than they blend, and that creates an edge of tension. Wang may not be as well known as Shaham, but his playing is muscular, though his tone is can be a little wiry.

Abbado for his part turns in top-notch accompaniments that will surprise no one familiar with the Brahms symphonies he recorded in the early ’90s. He follows the letter of the score scrupulously, yet he always seems to know when to give the music some breathing room. Balances are perfect, and tempos are generally swift, so the second movement’s famous oboe melody — beautifully played by Albrecht Mayer — comes off as songlike rather than sappy. The BPO’s playing has a richness and depth — especially in the strings — that’s well known from live performances but doesn’t always come through in recordings. Essential listening for all Brahms lovers.

(Gil Shaham performs with guitarist Göran Söllscher next Friday, April 11, at 8 p.m. at Jordan Hall in Boston as part of the FleetBoston Celebrity Series. Call 617-482-6661.)

BY DAVID WEININGER

Issue Date: April 3 - 10, 2003
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