Warmth, sincerity, and nobility are words which have been used to describe the artistry of the Soviet Russian violinist, David Oistrakh (1908-1974).
My teacher, Oleh Krysa, who was a student of Oistrakh, commented that “In his playing there had never been any pointedness of expression or surgery sentimentalism, there had never been a trace of affectation aimed at winning over the public.” (The Way They Play, Book 14) Instead, Krysa found that Oistrakh’s natural ease and integrity represented a “striving for some harmonious recreation of the world.”
This performance, featuring David Oistrakh and accompanist Frida Bauer, took place at Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool on September 20, 1962. The program begins with French Baroque composer Jean-Marie Leclair’s Sonata in D Major, Op. 3, No. 3. This elegant warmup for the ears is followed by an excerpt from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet ballet score. It is Vadim Borisovsky’s arrangement of the Death of Juliet. Next comes an arrangement of Shostakovich’s Three Fantastic Dances. (Oistrakh was close friends with both Prokofiev and Shostakovich). Fritz Kreisler’s Variations on a Theme of Corelli is sparkling and effortless. The program closes with a dreamy rendition of Debussy’s Sonata in G minor, and with the rhapsodic passion of Ravel’s Tzigane.
Featured Image: A program from Oistrakh’s 1962 Liverpool recital
Thanks for this. It looks like the autograph by Ms Bauer says 1969. And no Kreutzer recording?
The very first LP I ever got was a prize for WQXR’s 25th anniversary contest, why I like listening to WQXR. I was around 10 and wrote about the shows I listened to every day. They sent me a DGG recording of Oistrakh imaging the Bach 5th and 6th vln/hpschd sonatas. Just gorgeous. I still have it. https://youtu.be/2zAtIOtRo7s?si=NQjcY_sVp_AlTG3f