POW:122210

I should just go ahead and add an Oistrakh tag.

This is what I tell people on the rare occasion when I am actually in the mood to to give a short answer on why Oistrakh above any one else: he doesn't play to you, he plays for you. He doesn't forcefully present his interpretation and expect you to accept, he gratefully invites you to take in his interpretation and hopes you make something of it. If you can't see that, I can't make you and, unlike him, I'm not leaving myself open for discussion on this.

Bach Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041; 2nd movement: Andante (David Oistrakh)

OMFG

I actually said Oh.My.Fucking.God. Just like that.

(And the new answer to L.'s question apparently is that there are "songs" whose performance I would fuck.)

Bach - Concerto for 2 Violins, Strings and Continuo in D Minor, BWV 1043 (1st Movement; Vivace) - Yehudi Menuhin and David Oistrakh

B&B

I will have this LP some day.

Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor Op. 26 (1st Movement; Vorspiel: Allegro Moderoato) - David Oistrakh



Beethoven Violin Concerto in D Major Op. 61 1st Movement [partial] Allegro Ma Non Troppo) - David Oistrakh

More than just a whiter shade of pale

In addition to Pet Sounds and Forever Changes and A Day At The Races, this is another album that you'd eventually be subjected to, in its entirety, if you spend any decent amount of time with me. With commentary, of course (well, after an initial 'absorption' listen).

Magdalene (My Regal Zonophone) - Procol Harum



Skip Softly (My Moonbeams) - Procol Harum



Quite Rightly So - Procol Harum
Yes, this is only the fourth or fifth time I've mentioned this song. Let's see you write a love letter and turn it into an unforgettable song, hmmm?!



***

Listening to prog. rock, especially this album, usually makes me think of following it up Kachaturian, especially this. You too, right? Hah.

Oh, look, an Oistrakh recording. What a surprise.

Khachaturian's Violin Concerto in D minor; 1st movement: Allegro con fermezza (David Oistrakh)



Sure, he's better known for this (and it certainly makes more sense with the ending of Skip Softly, but that's just a tad bit too predictable...)

Khachaturian's "Sabre Dance " [from the ballet Gayane] (National Philharmonic Orchestra)

No explanation

For at least a year now I've been meaning to write about David Oistrakh--not his undeniable genius, which is well documented, but the profound impact his playing has had on me, for many, many years.

But just as it's pointless and an exercise in futility to try and describe to you what I am feeling inside, sitting here on the eve of the two month anniversary of my mom's death, so it is with explaining how I feel listening to Oistrakh play any piece, but especially this one. You won't, you don't, you can't understand and it changes nothing for me even if I were able to make you do so even a little bit. It's not your loss, it's not your love and since you can't really, truly share in it, I don't want to even attempt it.

Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 ; 1st movement: Allegro molto appassionato (David Oistrakh)
This is truly the perfect recording of the perfect violinist playing the perfect piece. Nothing beats listening to an old LP reissue of it. Take my word.