This outstanding recital serves to introduce a remarkable new Russian/Israeli violinist, of whom I am sure we shall hear much more. Vera Vaidman was born in Leningrad and studied in Moscow, under David Oistrakh, among others. In 1973 she emigrated to Israel, and has since established a considerable reputation both in her adopted country and in the USA. The programme—one of a new series deriving from the Israeli CDI label and marketed here by Pickwick—seeks to establish a mood. Its title, rather misleadingly, is ''Romantic Strings''. The recording is exceptionally successful, very natural in balance and presence, with the duo not over-projected: the effect of the music-making is so consistently spontaneous, one has the impression of having the artists performing live in one's room.
The three Tchaikovsky morceaux de concert make an admirable opener. Each is in triple time, but there are changing moods; from nostalgic melancholy to easy brilliance and returning to a warmer lyricism. Vaidman responds with engaging delicacy—the lyrical melodic line tender, never too ripe—and with much subtlety of light and shade, or with an insoucient virtuosity. Her rubato effortlessly follows the music's flow. Then comes Dvorak's wonderfully inspired Sonatina, with the New World hovering over every bar, and producing a blossoming of melody in the finale with which anyone who knows the symphony will be enchanted. It is played here with all the freshness of new discovery: rhythmically and melodically the ear is continually captivated. Then comes the simple, direct charm of Schubert, winging to the listener with impeccable taste and finesse, yet no lack of urgency. Finally three Kreislerian lollipops, thrown off with unforced virtuosic flair, the music coaxed disarmingly.
Emanuel Krasovsky accompanies discreetly in the outer groups, though always giving musical support: he sets the mood of the first Tchaikovsky piece most beautifully. In the two major works he enters the fray with a much greater projection of personality and engages the listener's attention in a true partnership with his gifted colleague. This is a record to treasure.'