Sunday 26 August 2007

Bit of a surprise weekend. Shows that, after over 50 years, there are still interesting discoveries to be made. First discovery was Michèle Auclair (in Mozart, Brahms, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky concertos). An "old-fashioned" violinist (and none the worse for that). A bit like a French Mischa Elman in her spurning of "fashion"; the most un-Russian Tchaikovsky violin concerto I have ever heard. Very French playing, very deliberate, some good portamento, very dedicated. Only pity is the second-rate orchestras and conductors, and the so-so recorded sound from 1958-62. But a violinist to remember, and one with an instantly recognisable style.

Second surprise was Vivaldi arias, sung by Philippe Jaroussky. It is a CD I bought for Jean Girard but didn't listen to. This copy arrived (with the three Auclair CDs) from Zhao in China. Lovely music! I must investigate Vivaldi's vocal music; quite as good as Handel (on the strength of this CD and one by Sandrine Piau).

Weekend was completed with a bottle of Monsieur Bachelet's Saint-Aubin premier cru "Les Cortons" 1998. That is some wine!

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