12/03/2026
Fantastic Review about our Prof.Max Rostal TMR-SE 0020 by Stephen Lee Hong Kong😻 Max Rostal (violin)
Eugen Huber (piano)
Violin Recital
Triston TMR-SE0020
Text by Stephen
Max Rostal (1905-1991) of Austria was a violinist and violist renowned for his consummate technique, delicate tone, and
renowned for its refined purity. Rostal studied under the celebrated Hungarian violin pedagogue Carl Flesch in his formative years. He became a professor at Berlin's University of the Arts in the early 1930s before relocating to London, England. His frequent appearances on BBC radio and worldwide concert tours established him as a “renowned British violinist.” Due to health concerns, he returned to German-speaking regions in the late 1950s, accepting a professorship at Cologne's Conservatory of Music before settling in Switzerland. In 1958, he performed for Swiss Radio Bern at the invitation of the station.
returned to German-speaking regions in the late 1950s, accepting a professorship at Cologne's Musikhochschule before settling in Switzerland. In 1958, at the invitation of Radio Bern, he performed Brahms' Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Mozart's Adagio in E major and Rondo in C major, Schumann's Intermezzo, and Paganini's 20th Caprice. The Swiss label “Triston” acquired the original open-reel master tape of his January 1958 performance for Radio Bern and pressed it onto vinyl, making it exceptionally valuable.
Listening to the first side of the record, Brahms' Sonata No. 3 in D minor, the opening movement immediately reveals his expressive vibrato and lively rhythm, as if the music leaps from his bow. The final movement, “Allegro agitato,” with its brisk tempo and often performed as a standalone piece, radiates a Heifetz-like brilliance.
The second side showcases Mozart's elegant Adagio, the serene Rondo, the confessional Schumann Intermezzo, and Paganini's Caprice. These pieces not only highlight Max Rostal's exceptional artistry but also capture the unique improvisational spirit of live performance. Overall, each work displays rich expressiveness and captivating appeal. Special mention must be made of Eugen Huber's piano accompaniment. This Hungarian pianist, who occasionally composed works for others or created pieces for specific repertoire, provides perfectly measured support for the violin here. His rare quality lies in his seamless rapport with Max Rostal, closely following the ever-shifting rhythmic nuances with understated mastery.
During the 1950s, Max Rostal frequently used two renowned instruments: a Guarneri del Gesu and another Stradivarius, the latter being the one Zhao plays today. Truthfully, it's rare today to hear this uniquely timbred, now priceless early Stradivarius (1697-made Stradivarius Max Rostal Ex) that Rostal played during his lifetime. It possesses a distinctive, luminous, and gentle tone with remarkable density and penetrating power. Since this performance was broadcast and the recording was archived, no one has had the privilege of hearing it for over half a century. Now, the Swiss label “Triston,” specializing in unearthing rare recordings, has produced an authentic-sounding vinyl pressing for audiophiles, limited to just 250 copies worldwide! Discerning connoisseurs now have the opportunity to experience the true sound of this priceless instrument and top-tier performance through this faithful reproduction
