Concertos from My Childhood cover

Concertos from My Childhood

Itzhak Perlman · 1999

62 min · 11 tracks · classical music

A nostalgic collection of violin concertos showcasing youthful virtuosity and emotional depth through intricate melodies and lush orchestration.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Concerto for Violin in B minor, op. 35: I. Allegro moderato Start here — This opening track sets a powerful tone with its vigorous themes and lyrical passages, showcasing Perlman's technical prowess and emotional interpretation right from the start.
  • →
    Violin Concerto no. 1 in A minor — With its dramatic contrasts and lyrical beauty, this concerto highlights Perlman's ability to convey deep emotion while navigating complex musical lines effortlessly.
  • →
    Violin Concerto no. 22 in A minor: III. Agitato assai — The energetic finale of this concerto encapsulates the youthful exuberance present throughout the album, demonstrating Perlman’s skillful interplay between technical precision and passionate expression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album presents a well-curated selection of concertos, balancing emotional depth with technical prowess.

What we noticed

  • Each concerto showcases distinct orchestral arrangements, with varying instrumentation that highlights the violin's role within different contexts.
  • The final three tracks build in intensity, culminating in a vigorous conclusion that contrasts with the more reflective earlier pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • nostalgic reflections on childhood
  • emotive crescendos and releases
  • evening relaxation with rich melodies
  • intimate moments of quiet introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Explores formative pieces, significant for fans but less known to the general audience.
Career context
When Itzhak Perlman released 'Concertos from My Childhood' in 1999, he was already an internationally renowned violinist, celebrated for his exceptional technique and expressive performances. This album followed a series of successful recordings, capturing a sense of personal nostalgia as Perlman revisited works that shaped his early musical education.
Stylistic neighbors
Yo-Yo Ma· Anne-Sophie Mutter· Joshua Bell

Tracklist

  • 1 Concerto for Violin in B minor, op. 35: I. Allegro moderato Start here 2:57
  • 2 Concerto for Violin in B minor, op. 35: II. Andante 2:23
  • 3 Concerto for Violin in B minor, op. 35: III. Allegro moderato 2:55
  • 4 Schüler-Konzert no. 2, op. 13: I. Allegro non troppo 4:27
  • 5 Schüler-Konzert no. 2, op. 13: II. Adagio 2:12
  • 6 Schüler-Konzert no. 2, op. 13: III. Allegretto moderato 2:49
  • 7 Violin Concerto no. 1 in A minor 7:42
  • 8 Scène de Ballet, op. 100 9:55
  • 9 Violin Concerto no. 22 in A minor: I. Moderato 13:15
  • 10 Violin Concerto no. 22 in A minor: II. Adagio 6:57
  • 11 Violin Concerto no. 22 in A minor: III. Agitato assai 7:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata