Anne-Sophie Mutter, António Meneses, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan - Brahms: Violin Concerto, Double Concerto (1993)

I"m much more a fan of Mutter/Karajan Brahms violin concerto than the double concerto that is paired here. I have other Brahms Double Concerto recordings I prefer. But, this Karajan GOLD Brahms Violin Concerto is definitely a sonic upgrade from a standard DG (non-gold) issue when the Violin Concerto was all that was put on the disc. I'm hearing more spatial relationships, more tonal accuracy, more upper end and balance. During the golden age of the CD, prior to Karajan's strained relationship with the Berliners' - recordings like this emerged. While not a gifted Brahmsian (there are far better Brahms symphonic recordings and performances in the current catalog) here, Karajan produced a golden, mature, warm, spatial and detailed Brahms Violin Concerto with his selected violinist Mutter. The BPO give an autumnal performance of incomparable musicality. I find that Mutter has superb comprehension in her phrasing of Brahms musical language. Correct and complete bowing, proper timing, correct note tonality. For the price of a penny and shipping, this disc is a welcome addition to Mutter fans, shows Karajan at his best as he often desired a rich warm sound (his beauty of sound idea) and Mutter plays in an utterly involved and relaxing fashion. Firm recommendation.