The Perlman Sound (3CD)

Released for Mr Perlman's 70th birthday, this 3-CD collection explores his artistry from the finest concerto highlights (Mendelssohn, Brahms, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Korngold, Sibelius, The Four Seasons), to virtuoso solo and chamber repertoire (Paganini Caprice No. 24, Bach Partita No. 3, the Mditation from Thas, Flight of the Bumblebee, Zapateado) and klezmer and jazz selections. The duo partners and conductors are some of the 20th century's biggest classical stars, many of whom count among Perlman's dearest friends and collaborators. No one could deny that Itzhak Perlman holds a special place in the world of music - and no one could define it more eloquently than his old friend and colleague, the pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim: It is quite impossible to imagine today's violin heritage without the absolute musical genius of Perlman. The most obvious manifestation of that genius is the famous Perlman Sound - lustrous, warm and generous, it's impact compounded by often astounding virtuosity; and yet Perlman makes it all look so easy. In fact, he communicates a positive joy in his playing.