Yehudi Menuhin - In Memoriam (1999)

This set of two CDs holds the only recording Yehudi Menuhin made of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. Sir Yehudi had nothing against the concerto and counted it among the first that he learned and played. Another recording of the concerto had been made with Sir Adrian Boult in 1959 by was never issued as Sir Yehudi was not pleased with the performance. It is a matter of conjecture as to why Sir Yehudi did not play the concerto in concert but this recording of the work is superb. There is a complete understanding between the conductor Ferenc Fricsay and Sir Yehudi, together they have produced one of the most spirited and emotionally deep performances of the Tchaikovsky concerto. This recording was made in 1949 and is a remarkably clear and noise free performance.
Accompanying the Tchaikovsky concerto are three of the ten Sonatas for Violin and Piano by Beethoven recorded by Sir Yehudi and Wilhelm Kempff for Deutsche Gramophone. One of the sonatas on this set id the "Kreutzer" which I had on the original LP, and it is nicely transferred to CD. Also represented id the "Spring" sonata and Sonata No. 7, op. 30 no. 2, along with two shorter works for piano and violin. These performances have a legendary status, and Sir Yehudi and Wilhelm Kempff are among the best interpreters of these chamber works. This is a CD set that is a must for those of us who have admired Yehudi Menuhin over the years and miss him.