Itzhak Perlman radiates a generosity of spirit that is reflected in the richness of his interpretations and in the irresistible exuberance of his virtuosity. EMI Classics celebrates his illustrious career and musicianship with A Portrait. The standard edition is a 2-CD collection of his supreme achievement as a violinist featuring complete concertos by Bach, Vivaldi and Bruch, captivating pieces by composers from Paganini to Joplin, as well as collaborations with celebrated figures such as Daniel Barenboim and Andre Prévin. The deluxe edition pairs the 2-CD set with two DVDs: The Tour and Recital in Moscow.
The Tour is a documentary of Perlman s first visit to Moscow and Leningrad, and shows him not only as a supreme violinist but as a man of charisma, wit and compassion. The second DVD features the recital recorded in Moscow. Itzhak Perlman s extensive repertoire is well represented on EMI Classics. The great violin concertos form the core of this recorded material, which range from the Baroque to the Contemporary. Beloved for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, Perlman is treasured by audiences throughout the world who respond not only to his remarkable artistry, but also to the irrepressible joy of making music, which he communicates.
In January 2009, Mr. Perlman was honored to take part in the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, premiering a piece written for the occasion by John Williams and performing with clarinetist Anthony McGill, pianist Gabriela Montero, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. In December 2003 the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts granted Mr. Perlman a Kennedy Center Honor celebrating his distinguished achievements and contributions to the cultural and educational life of our nation. In May 2007, he performed at the State Dinner for Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
I purchased this album at Taiwan’s Books.com for NT$809 (USD 27). It is also available at Amazon.com.
Disc: 1
1. Allegro-Four Seasons, Op.8 (1987 – Remaster), Spring
2. Largo-Four Seasons, Op.8 (1987 – Remaster), Spring
3. Allegro-Four Seasons, Op.8 (1987 – Remaster), Spring
4. I. Allegro-Violin Concerto in E, BWV 1042 (1986 – Remaster)
5. II. Adagio-Violin Concerto in E, BWV 1042 (1986 – Remaster)
6. III. Allegro assai-Violin Concerto in E, BWV 1042 (1986 – Remaster)
7. Variations on a theme by Corelli (2002 – Remaster)
8. No. 9 in E-24 Caprices, Op.1 (2000 – Remaster)
9. No. 24 in A Minor-24 Caprices, Op.1 (2000 – Remaster)
10. Sweet Remembrance (from ‘Songs without Words’ Op. 19 No. 1)
11. The Bumble-Bee (from ‘The Legend of Tsar Saltan’)
12. Mélodie (2005 – Remaster)
13. Golliwog’s Cake-Walk
14. I. Vorspiel (Allegro moderato) –Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 1 in G minor Op. 26
15. II. Adagio-Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 1 in G minor Op. 26
16. III. Finale (Allegro energico)-Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 1 in G minor Op. 26
Disc: 2
1. Carmen Fantasy, Op.25 (2002 – Remaster)
2. Romanza andaluza Op. 22 No. 1 (from Danzas españolas)
3. Zapateado, Op.23 (1990 – Remaster)
4. Introduction and Rondo capriccioso in A minor Op. 28 (1987 Digital Remaster)
5. Méditation-Thaïs
6. Tzigane (1987 – Remaster)
7. Perpetuum mobile, Op.5 No. 4
8. Liebesleid
9. Liebesfreud
10. La Ronde des Lutins (2005 – Remaster)
11. Schön Rosmarin
12. Doyna
13. The Entertainer (1986 – Remaster)
14. Zigeunerweisen, Op.20 (1990 – Remaster)
Disc: 3
1. Opening credits-Film of the Tour [DVD]
2. The Israel Philharmonic plays in Russia-Film of the Tour [DVD]
3. Perlman arrives in Moscow-Film of the Tour [DVD]
4. Tchaikovsky: Andante cantabile-Film of the Tour [DVD]
5. Bazzini: La Ronde des lutins-Film of the Tour [DVD]
6. Public masterclass-Film of the Tour [DVD]
7. Behind the scenes with Perlman-Film of the Tour [DVD]
8. Visiting Russian Jews-Film of the Tour [DVD]
9. Zubin Mehta and colleagues reflecting-Film of the Tour [DVD]
10. Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto (Finale)-Film of the Tour [DVD]
11. Looking Back-Film of the Tour [DVD]
12. Closing credits-Film of the Tour [DVD]
Disc: 4
1. Opening credits-Recital in Moscow [DVD]
2. Sonata for Violin and Piano in G minor, ‘Devil’s Trill’ (cadenza:Kreisler) [DVD]
3. Liebesleid [DVD]
4. March [DVD]
5. Baal Shem, ‘Three Pictures of Chassidic Life’ – No. 2, Nigun [DVD]
6. Caprice in A minor [DVD]
7. Andante cantabile (arr.Kreisler) [DVD]
8. La Ronde des lutins Op. 25 [DVD]
9. Closing credits-Recital in Moscow [DVD]