Bach, J S: Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV1043

“An exciting virtuoso confirms his Czech credentials in this superb release. Pavel Sporcl has established himself on disc as the most charismatic of young Czech violinists, spontaneously imaginitive and individual in everything he does.” Gramophone - Edward Greenfield

“The texture has clarity and precision, and there is sufficient imagination at work to provide the freshness and sense of engagement a new recording of these ubiquitous pieces needs. ” Gramophone Magazine, June 2008

Pengiun 2.5*

"What you will hear is a performance and recording that is not unlike 'The Stokowski Sound.' Deep, rich and firm bass line, smooth strings and lushness around. The soloists are as romantic. The second movement of the double concerto is a love duet. It has a beauty that literally arrests you. Now, you simply must purchase this recording. It is just too beautiful not to hear." - Classical.Net (Robert Stumpf II) April 2001

"There's no doubting Shumsky's artistry." Kate Bolton, BBC Music Magazine

"Herbert von Karajan ist für immer ein Fixstern in meinem musikalischen Leben. Sein Klangideal, die leidenschaftliche Suche nach der einzig wahren Interpretation und die besessene Disziplin in den Proben sind mir Vorbild. Generationen von Musikern, darunter ich als dreizehn jähriges Mädchen wurden von ihm gefördert und geformt. Dafür bin ich ewig dankbar." (Anne-Sophie Mutter)

“…the Brahms (1963) restores one's faith. This is a strong, string-led reading, possibly a tad bloated for modern taste. There is a genuine mystery and stillness in the lead-in to the first movement recapitulation and what follows leaves one in no doubt of Karajan's exceptional ability to build and place a climax. The DVD has its own problems. Fascinating though it may be to see Karajan directing with and without a baton with eyes closed, the excessive visual focus on the conductor makes Leonard Bernstein seem like a shrinking violet in his Unitel videos.” Gramophone Magazine, Janurary 2008