Mendelssohn: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, Violin Concerto, Op. 64 (Essential Classics) [Audio CD] Felix Mendelssohn; Eugene Ormandy; Philadelphia Orchestra; Columbia Symphony Orchestra; Rudolf Serkin and Isaac Stern

Of the many Mendelssohn piano concerto recordings that have passed through these ears, Serkin's with Ormandy has remained my favorite since the LP era, and Sony was exceedingly wise to transfer them, early on (1991), to CD, coupled with Stern's sturdy performance of the E minor Violin Concerto. Amazingly enough, all these concertos come from 1959 recordings and, regardless of age, have been transferred to CD fresh and firm. The piano image, in particular, closely-miked and upfront, is phenomenal, never hidden or subservient, and allows us to hear every note, as well as more than a little huffing and puffing from Serkin himself (but I find this adds a nice human element to the mix). Ormandy's orchestral forces (both Philadelphia and Columbia Symphonies) come off superbly under his usual bold, warm direction. The recordings defy their age magnificently. This is an outstanding bargain--- if for the Op. 25, alone, which must be heard to be believed: Mendelssohn with all the stops pulled! And Serkin at his zenith. Don't let this one pass you by. All other competition pales by comparison.