*** MENDELSSOHN: Violin Concerto; BRAHMS: Double Concerto. Itzhak Perlman, violin. Yo-Yo Ma, cello. Chicago Symphony. Daniel Barenboim, conductor. (Teldec); ** 1/2 STRAVINSKY: Violin Concerto; PROKOFIEV: Violin Concerto No. 2. Itzhak Perlman, violin. Chicago Symphony. Daniel Barenboim, conductor. (Teldec)

In the over-recorded 19th century concertos, these seasoned pros go through the scores with relaxed familiarity. There is ease, gentility and sweetness in the playing and spaciousness in the recording. There are, however, no revelations, moments of excitement or much probing or depth. How Yo-Yo Ma could be induced to turn his creative flame so slow is baffling. Perhaps it’s in deference to his colleagues. Perlman certainly sounds freer and more songful when alone in the Mendelssohn.

It’s another kettle of fish in the 20th century works. Perlman and Barenboim seem determined to make them personal vehicles along the lines of Romantic concertos, contrary to the intended aesthetic. The playing, which is fine in itself, simply sounds stylistically off. Perlman brings unwelcome slips, slides and schmaltzy, characterful vignettes to the pungent Stravinsky score. The accompaniment could be crisper and more acerbic. The Prokofiev, which embodies a goodbye-to-all-that nostalgia and romanticism, emerges with softened contours and contrasts, the edginess and tension diminished. It’s all a bit strange.

Applause at the end of both discs remind us these are live performances.

*

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).