asin: B000HXDEVW binding: Audio CD list price: $16.98 USD amazon price: $16.98 USD

Although this CD's title, Simply Anne-Sophie, implies trifles, and the selection here, taken from the violinist's previous recordings, is not challenging, there's nothing simple about Mutter's virtuosity or commitment to the music. The Meditation from Thais is ravishing, "Summertime" sings as it should, the Four Seasons excerpt is fresh and dashing, the Rondeau from Mozart's Third Concerto is filled with energy, and the Adagio from the Fifth is warm and meltingly played. The CD ends with Sarasate's Carmen Fantasy, which makes up in jaw-dropping skill what it lacks in musical substance. Accompanied by orchestras led by Kurt Masur and James Levine and with pianists André Previn and Lambert Orkis, this collection is a great introduction to Mutter's gifts and a grand entertainment. --Robert Levine