Itzhak Perlman - Classic Perlman: Rhapsody (2002)

The 12 recordings on CLASSIC PERLMAN - RHAPSODY were selected specifically to showcase the unparalleled lyricism of the brilliant violinist Itzhak Perlman. The emphasis here is not so much on his flawless technique, but on his warm, radiant tone, innate musicality, and the beauty of his phrasing. Perlman's emotional commitment is evident in expressive readings of classics such as the Adagio from Brahms's Third Sonata, Paganini's Cantabile for Violin and Guitar, and Dvorák's Romance in F Minor. His recording of Chausson's Concerto in D Major with Jorge Bolet and the Juilliard String Quartet is a model of poetic intimacy delivered with panache.
Half of the selections on the disc are devoted to music written specifically for film. Perlman gives heartfelt accounts of these cinematic themes, in particular the bittersweet melody of Andrea Morricone's CINEMA PARADISO and the poignant theme from John Williams's score for SCHINDLER'S LIST. Of particular note are his graceful performances of two excerpts from William Walton's elegantly constructed score for HENRY V: "Touch Her Soft Lips and Part" and a previously unreleased recording of the Canzonetta. This fine collection is further enriched by the efforts of distinguished collaborators such as Yo-Yo Ma, Daniel Barenboim, and guitarist John Williams.