Violinist
David Nadien is one of the longest-living and prolific of American-born violin virtuosos in several generations. Born in 1926, his career has taken him to almost every major world orchestra as a soloist, in addition to having led the
New York Philharmonic under
Leonard Bernstein. Because of the many great orchestras and conductors with whom
Nadien has collaborated, this particular Cembal d'amour album is somewhat of a letdown, not at all an ideal representation of
Nadien's concerto playing abilities. The vast majority of problems can be ascribed to the weak orchestral performances. Joining
Nadien for a live performance of the Beethoven Violin Concerto is the National Orchestral Association. This orchestra hacks its way through the tuttis and sound quality is not restored to an especially high level for orchestra or soloist.
Nadien's playing is not at its best here, either, with frequent difficulties with intonation. The Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, recorded nearly a quarter century later with the Chappaqua Chamber Orchestra, is a much more satisfactory performance by
Nadien. Here, listeners can certainly hear the deftness and agility of
Nadien's left hand as it flies easily through the most rapid of passage work. The orchestra, however, remains a serious detriment as its plays with poor ensemble skills, questionable intonation, and unacceptable balance and sound quality.