Thoughts on violinist IVRY GITLIS?

[Lance]

I have many of his recordings; he recorded for a number of labels. Most recently SWR Klassiks has issued a two CD set of live performances of concertos and solo pieces featuring conductor Skrowczewski, Rosbaud, and pianist Daria Horova. Where is his place among violinists in your mind?

[mikealdren]

VERY eccentric. Great character and a top player in the right repertoire, a bit like Kremer, great technique and uncompromising view of the music. Not the most polished player or the most beautiful sound but always an interesting and challenging artist.

Also an interesting commentator on the violin, he's lived a long time and heard and known everyone.

Finally, he seems to be a really delightful man.

Mike

[hassid]

I suffer all his recordings with piano. He played exactly what he wont, at the tempo he thought at that moment, and he cares a damn thing about his pianist. If he could follow him, good. If not, to hell with him. Originality is a virtue, but taked to absolute eccentricity and disrespect for his accompanist and to the public, is inadmissible. Can't stand that guy.

[diegobueno]

Gitlis has a weird sound, unlike any other violinist I've heard, and a funny vibrato.

His recordings of the Stravinsky and Hindemith Violin Concertos were my introduction to both of these works, and I have to say that I appreciated both concertos better once I found other recordings.