This 2008 Philips' disc joins
Arthur Grumiaux's 1963 recordings of
Saint-Saëns' Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor and
Vieuxtemps' Violin Concerto No. 4 in D minor with his 1966 recording of
Vieuxtemps' Violin Concerto No. 5 in A minor. For fans of the Belgian violinist, that will be all the information necessary for them to seek out this disc. They already know
Grumiaux's nuanced tone, sweet vibrato, cool poise, and flawless technique, and they probably know these performances either from their earlier issues on LP or CD. But for those who don't already know the performer or the performances, a bit of an introduction will be necessary. A brilliant but not an aggressive player,
Arthur Grumiaux had a fine career in Europe after the war, but his more reserved style of playing never impressed Americans quite as much, and for many in the States,
Grumiaux is an unknown quantity. Though this disc doesn't show him at his most profound, it does show him at his most elegant -- and most eloquent. In the evanescent Scherzo and the blistering Finale of
Vieuxtemps' D minor Concerto, in the imperious Allegro non troppo and tender Andantino of the
Saint-Saëns B minor Concerto, in the soulful Adagio and fearful Allegro con fuoco of
Vieuxtemps' A minor Concerto,
Grumiaux delivers performances that have rarely been equaled and never been surpassed for sheer aural beauty. Supported by the redoubtable
Manuel Rosenthal leading the indomitable Orchestre des Concerts Lamoureux and captured in Philips' clearest, cleanest stereo sound,
Grumiaux's performances still stand the test of time.