Akiko Suwanai, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner - Bruch: Violin Concerto No.1; Scottish Fantasia (1997)

From the dozens and dozens of recordings availible for this piece, I have to say this is probably the best one I have ever heard. Especially from someone like me, who has about nine recordings of every violin concerto ever written. I have, among others, a Pearlman, Zukerman, and Mutter recording of this peice, yet this seemingly unknown recording has a unique characteristic: Ms. Suwanai's cleaniliness of the notes and preciceness of the music. This peice can sound unbeleivably messy, especilly in the third movement, if the notes are passed over with no regard, yet every note is given individual attention, and yet every musical phrase is brought out to highlight the thick, romantic texture of the peice. Ms. Suwanai's particular attention to every detail makes this recording of the Bruch one of, if not the, best recordings on he market.