CD1 is dedicated to Beethoven, with the wonderful version of the Beethoven Violin Concerto (complete) with André Cluytens, one of his best recordings, a moment of pure poetry; and excerpts from chamber music, another version of the Triple Concerto, with his legendary partner Lev Oborin and Knushevistky (they formed a celeb trio for a long time), and the final movement of the Bruch concerto.
CD2 is dedicated to Mozart, with the (complete) Concerto No.4 in D major, and excerpts of the 3rd, 5th, and the Sinfonia concertante with his son Igor, all with the Berliner Philharmoniker. The wistful Légende by Wieniawski is closing the disc.
CD3 is devoted to Brahms, and starts with the Violin Concerto (complete), where Oistrakh is accompanied by George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra: a really Great Recording, full of panache, enthusiasm and vitality. It is followed by excerpts of the Double Concerto with Pierre Fournier, the Symphonie espagnole by Lalo, and Sonatas by Brahms and Franck (poor sound but great version), accompanied by his friend Vladimir Yampolsky.
David Oistrakh (1908–1974) was without a doubt one of the greatest violinists and has his place in musical history among other legends of the instrument such as Jascha Heifetz, Nathan Milstein, Yehudi Menuhin or Isaac Stern. He was also the most renowned Soviet violinist. His recordings were global hits and remain milestones of the catalogue. David Oistrakh is famed for the fullness of his tone, his unequaled sense of legato, a warm, powerful and deep sound, his incredible mastery of the bow, and an immediately recognizable sonority.