There are performances of
Beethoven's violin concerto that seem to go on forever, where the opening Allegro ma non troppo sprawls, the central Larghetto drags, and the closing Rondo wears out its welcome early on. Thankfully, this is not one of them. As Belgian violinist
Arthur Grumiaux demonstrates in his 1966 Philips recording of the work with
Alceo Galliera leading the
New Philharmonia Orchestra,
Beethoven's violin concerto is, in fact, a sprightly and lyrical work. As always in
Grumiaux's performances, the lines are long and legato, the tone svelte but sweet, the technique infallible, and the intonation impeccable. Everything is melody in this performance, unfolding as a single unbroken bel canto span. With the seasoned
Galliera as the accompanist and the dependable
New Philharmonia as the capable orchestra, this is one of the great
Beethoven violin concerto recordings.