Yehudi Menuhin - Brahms: Violin Concerto, Hungarian Dances (1989)

This is one (1989) of the many reissues of the celebrated 1957 studio stereo recording of Brahms' Violinkonzert, Op. 77, by Yehudi Menuhin (1916-1999) and Rudolf Kempe (1910-1976) conducting the Berlin Philharmoniker.
There is not much to say about a performance unanimously considered a reference one. Menuhin is on form and really inspired; Kempe perfectly supports him and masterfully conducts the superb BP.
My main impression is that all of them exactly knew what to do and that they actually did it! In a few words, we here find fine and sensitive artistry joined to a forgotten magisterial approach: really outstanding.

Here the Brahms' Violinkonzert is coupled to a selection (Nos. 1, 3, 5, 6, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21) from Brahms' Hungarische Tänze performed by Rafael Kubelik (1914-1996) and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in a 1958-59 stereo recording.
It is a really outstanding performance: Kubelik is on fire and the RPO goes along with him. The interpretation is attentive, but vivid, passionate and idiomatic. I regret that they did not recorded all the dances.

Sound is very good both in the German recording (Violin Concerto) and in the London, Abbey Road Studios, one (Dances), therefore allowing us to pleasantly listen to historic performances.