For more than 60 years Isaac Stern has been a great -- and greatly loved -- performing artist, renowned worldwide for his profound musical gift, his gusto for life, and his passionate dedication to working with younger musicians (among his discoveries: Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Pinchas Zukerman).

Mr. Stern performed and recorded an extraordinary range of music for violin, from such standard favorites as the Brahms, Beethoven and Mendelssohn concertos to more modern masterpieces by Samuel Barber, Bela Bartok, Igor Stravinsky and Leonard Bernstein. The world of music mourns his passing, while we simultaneously give thanks for the great joy his music has brought to our lives.

In Celebration and Tribute

This CD is a lasting tribute and celebration of a tremendous life, featuring never-before-seen photos, previously unreleased material, including Bach Partita No. 1 for solo violin -- Stern's only recording of the Bach Suites for solo violin, and personal comments from some of the world's greatest classical artists. This album is a must-have for both Isaac Stern and consummate classical music listeners.

IN STORES NOW. Special 2 CD set.

Mendelssohn: Piano Concertos Nos.1 and 2, Violin Concerto

Magnificent music for himself; a masterpiece for a friend

In an age unafraid of beauty, youth and genius, Felix Mendelssohn was the teenage pop-star of his day. His spectacular piano concertos showed off his brilliance as a performer as much as a composer. But it is his warm and vibrant Violin Concerto -- written for a virtuoso friend -- that has won the hearts of listeners ever since.

On this recording, pianist Rudolf Serkin performs the Concerto No.1 in G minor for Piano & Orchestra, Op.25 and Concerto No.2 in D minor for Piano & Orchestra, Op.40 with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra; and Isaac Stern is featured in the Concerto for Violin & Orchestra in E minor, Op.64, performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy.