Joshua Bell, The Cleveland Orchestra, Vladimir Ashkenazy - Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto (2012)

It's hard to believe that it's almost 30 years since Joshua Bell recorded these concertos with Ashkenazy and the Cleveland Orchestra. They still sound very good, and I was particularly taken by the Wieniawski because I had enjoyed Heifetz's performance from the early 1950s, but the quality of the orchestral sound here made me realize what the earlier recording lacked. The Tchaikovsky is excellent too, and Ashkenazy's accompaniments are alert and well-integrated with the solo part, and the recording, thankfully, does not spotlight the violin unduly -- the balance seems just right to me. Once upon a time, Joshua Bell was the Next Big Thing, and he has gone on to be a respected soloist and conductor. The next generation of violinists, as far as the record companies are concerned, seem to be attractive and talented young women who look good on CD covers. They're just fine -- Hilary Hahn is the one I've heard most of -- but no better than Bell is here. A thoroughly enjoyable disc.