Joshua Bell - Saint-Saëns: Violin Concerto No. 3 / Lalo: Symphonie espagnole (1989)

Bell's aggressive approach to the opening motif of the Saint-Saens B-minor may not be for all tastes, but it sets the tone for this exciting performance. Intonation is good throughout and there are fine moments of tender lyricism in the second mvmnt. His Lalo, though not quite the tonal equal of Mintz on DG, is vibrant and seductive in tone. Subtle slides and rubatos imbue the work with the appropriate Iberian coloring. The final movement brims with unworried virtuosity. Wonderfully done.