In celebration of
Gidon Kremer's 60th birthday, Deutsche Grammophon released a substantial double-disc compilation in 2007, The Many Musics of Gidon Kremer, a highly rewarding retrospective that pays tribute to this versatile violinist's phenomenal talent, wide range of interests, and depth of experience. A seasoned virtuoso who has been active for over three decades,
Kremer has proved himself time and again in the genres of the concerto and chamber music and has carved a special niche for himself in recent years as a conductor of popular fare with his handpicked chamber orchestra,
KREMERata BALTICA. As part of the label's ongoing "Portrait of the Artist" series, this double-disc package is drawn from
Kremer's discography and from previously unreleased live recordings, covering several performances that have become touchstones for his fans. While this survey is not really a greatest-hits collection, it provides several keys to appreciating
Kremer's highly varied repertoire. Still, one can't help regretting the absence of what this extraordinary violinist is most celebrated for performing and recording, not just once, but twice:
Johann Sebastian Bach's sonatas and partitas for solo violin. These unique and innovative performances, which many regard as
Kremer's most profoundly personal, albeit idiosyncratic, interpretations, were not released by Deutsche Grammophon, but the 1980 recording on Philips and the 2005 set on ECM are both available and worth investigating for their intellectual challenges and emotional power; they are the next recordings one should hear after trying out this fine introductory presentation.