Kabalevsky: Violin Concerto in C major Op. 48

Among the great violinists of the 20th century, David Oistrakh retains a special place in the hearts of his artist colleagues and those of the musical public. As Pierre Fournier once said, “David Oistrakh is irreplaceable. He was an exceptional artist who gave the world a beautiful example of dignity, human beauty and warmth.” On the 100th anniversary of his birth (30th September), we celebrate the exceptional art of David Oistrakh with this very specially priced album of concertos, shorter works for violin and orchestra, and encores for violin and piano (on a bonus CD), all recorded between 1948 and 1961.

This is a feast of great violin playing, including rare and first-time releases on CD. All recordings have been newly remastered.

This is an Original Masters Twofer with a bonus CD – so it’s an unbeatable 3 CDs for the price of 1. The bonus CD features encores by Ysaÿe,* Wieniawski,* Sarasate, Kreisler, Vieuxtemps* and Paganini for violin and piano (Vladimir Yampolsky on piano). * = First releases on CD

The packaging is pretty special too: an 8-panel digi, with superb original “American” Decca artwork. Rare Oistrakh photos enhance the CD booklet. The Oistrakh recordings on Deutsche Grammophon’s Originals series are big sellers, and the present release should do well at retail as well as making a significant contribution to the Oistrakh centenary.