The American Album

Itzhak Perlman is one of the world’s finest violinists, and this recording is a true showcase for his art. Leonard Bernstein’s engaging, five-movement Serenade is based on philosophical dialogues transcribed by the ancient Greek writer Plato, during a “symposium” (an intellectual drinking session) with some of his colleagues. Perlman revels in the good-natured musical repartee of the first movement, “Phaedrus - Pausanias,” while the wonderful purity of his violin tone graces the lyrical flights of the fourth, “Agathon.” Great players can create a whole musical world in just a single note, as Perlman does at the start of Samuel Barber’s warmly expressive Violin Concerto; he also delivers scorching virtuosity in the speedy finale. Lukas Foss’ Three American Pieces then offer a colorful portrait of rural America, with Perlman bringing an unmistakable touch of traditional bluegrass to his solo part.