Kyung Wha Chung, Charles Dutoit - Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn: Violin Concertos (1983)

This is not the smooth-classic type of performance, which is usually associated with these popular concetos, but uncompromisingly intense and passionate reading by young Kyung Wha Chung, digitally recorded in 1983 in vivid sound quality. The risk she takes in the outer movements of Tchaikovsky concerto is astonishing. She is technically dazzling and solid in the both concertos, yet every phrasing and intonation speaks of her mature artistry and deeper sympathy with the soul of the music, that is reflected particularly in the slow movement of the concertos. Montreal SO's playing, under Dutoit, is wonderfully rich and vibrant, and finely balanced with the soloist. My favourite recording by Chung alongside her deeply Romantic account of Elgar concerto with Solti.