Itzhak Perlman, the violinist on this recording, has demonstrated a fondness for Prokofiev's music throughout his career, building one of the greatest recorded catalogues by a violinist.
Historical Context
The two concertos were written nineteen years apart, a period that almost completely coincides with Prokofiev's years 'in exile' in the US and France, explaining their differences.
Composition History
Prokofiev's Second Violin Concerto was written in 1935 for French violinist Robert Soetens, who premiered it in Madrid that same year with the composer present.
Recording & Production
This album's performance of Prokofiev's First Violin Concerto is the only one Itzhak Perlman ever captured on disc.
Notable Performances
After Robert Soetens' exclusive performing rights expired, Jascha Heifetz appropriated the Second Violin Concerto and introduced it to American audiences, making its first recording in 1937.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Joseph Szigeti, a violinist who championed Prokofiev's First Violin Concerto, believed the composer's propensity for musical storytelling stemmed from his mother's storytelling genius and his affectionate attachment to her.
Notable Performances
The great violinist Nathan Milstein gave the first Moscow performance of Prokofiev's First Violin Concerto in 1923, accompanied by Vladimir Horowitz on piano.
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