MITSUKO and ZUBIN: A Great DOUBLE Pleasure !!
RBSProds | Deep in the heart of Texas | 04/29/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Five WONDERFUL Stars! This DVD is a visual and aural double pleasure: the authoritative Zubin Mehta and the fabulous Israel Philharmonic Orchestra meet the awesome pianism of Mitsuko Uchida in a bravura concert recorded in Tel Aviv in 2002. The performances are beautifully recorded, and filmed from an impressive number of angles, including a spectacular shot that retreats from above the violin section in a huge arc around the piano to a full shot of the orchestra.
The main 'Pieces de 'Resistance' begin with a beautifully rendered Beethoven "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No 4, op 58 in G major"; a performance of nuance, clarity, and great beauty. And then listen to (and watch) her performance of the unlisted encore of Mozart's "Sonata in C, K 545, second movement". WOW, it's so beautiful and her touch is gorgeous. Her encyclopedic knowledge and mastery of the great classical composers over her career makes her entirely deserving of her worldwide acclaim for these many years.
The 'Pieces D' Resistance' for the remainder of the DVD, are Mehta and the Philharmonic's poignant rendition of Schubert's "Rosamunde D 797 Overture 1a", and Philharmonic soloists Dudu Carmel (oboe) and Zinovi Kaplan (violin) on the inspired "Bach Concerto for Oboe, Violin and Strings No 9", which is greatly enjoyed by an enthusiastic Mehta.
As a Mitsuko Uchida fan for 20 years, it is great to not only FINALLY see her perform on DVD, but to see her with the great Zubin Mehta as both are literally swept away by the music when one or the other is dominating the proceedings. On a scale of one to five. Five Wonderful Stars!! Buy it NOW and enjoy!! It's wonderful and worth every penny!! Highly Recommended!!!!!. Five ENCHANTING Stars!! (DVD)"