Bartok: Violin Concertos, Viola Concerto, 6 Duo for 2 Violins, Violin Rhapsodies; Yehudi Menuhin;

Compiled from EMI/Gemini Recordings dating from 1965 through 1974, this double-disc presentation of famed composer Bella Bartok s string concertos and other works features the inexorable Yehudi Menuhin on violin, here at the peak of his prowess. For the concertos, Menuhin is backed by the New Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Antal Dorati; on the rhapsodies, the BBC Symphony Orchestra under Pierre Boulez. Joined for six movements from the Duos (44) by Nell Gotkovsky, and featuring the Sonata for Solo Violin, there is no shortage of phenomenal material here. These analog recordings have all been digitally remastered, which brings the works to life with clarity and crispness, and with no tape hiss to show their age. Menuhin and Bartok had a close personal relationship, which resulted in one of the 20th century s greatest classical music collaborations (Sonata for Solo Violin), and it is a treat for fans to hear Menuhin's grand take on more of Bartok s material.