Search - Midori - Live at Carnegie Hall / Robert McDonald on DVD

A captivating Carnegie Hall debut

Mark Hennicke | A stone's throw from Carnegie Hall | 02/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had looked forward to purchasing this DVD for quite a while. I was privileged to be in the audience at Carnegie Hall when this recital was filmed on Oct. 21st,1990. What a splendid event, and what glorious music making. The Midori-Live at Carnegie Hall DVD captures a brilliant musician marvelously displaying her extraordinary gifts in a program that features works by Mozart, Richard Strauss, Beethoven, Chopin, Ravel and Debussy, among others. I was particulary taken with the Mozart, which Midori played with effortless charm.

Despite that fact that others have taken exception with that sound quality of this DVD, I can find no difficulties at all in this respect. The sound seems quite good to me, with Midori & pianist Robert MacDonald in excellent balance. Both artists display exceptional technique & poise on stage. If there one place where I might take exception, it would be with the video transfer. The picture is ever so slightly grainy, but this does not distract any great deal from one enjoying the performance. This is a wonderful recital DVD, which I would recommend to anyone. It is a delightful record of one of the most thrilling classical recitals that I have ever attended. Don't hesitate about adding this one to your DVD collection. It is a joy to experience!"