Label: The Electric Recording Co.  ERC075 / Columbia SAX 2411

Performed by David Oistrakh and Orchestre National De La Radiodiffusion Française, and conducted by Otto Klemperer, this recording is a multi-dimensional meeting of legends.

Masterfully balanced between traditionalist and innovator, Johannes Brahms was one of the great pianist- composer- conductors of the 19th century. Though many of Brahms’ works have become staples of the modern concert repertoire, his Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77 harbours a little more magic than most. Written in 1878 to showcase the extraordinary ability of his dear friend and violinist Joseph Joachim, this labour of love encapsulates the academic genius of Brahms while shining the spotlight entirely on the solo violinist.

There’s not much that needs to be said about this record. The performance is marvelous and has been well-respected pretty much since its original release. There are some who might prefer Oistrakh’s later EMI recording of the Brahms with George Szell, which is also excellent, but I’ve tended to have a preference for this one. Oistrakh plays with such a beautiful tone and with such nobility and authority, and Klemperer and the French National Radio Orchestra give him a worthy accompaniment.  ~From Miles to Mozart

Mastering Engineer: C. J. Potter & G. D. Davie