Shostakovich: Violin Concertos Nos 1 & 2
$35.00
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DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH
Shostakovich: Violin Concertos Nos 1 & 2
Christian Tetzlaff (violin) / Helsinki Phiharmonic Orchestra, John Storgards
[ Ondine / CD ]
Release Date: Saturday 15 November 2014
This item is currently out of stock. We expect to be able to supply it to you within 2 - 4 weeks from when you place your order.
Christian Tetzlaff is considered to be one of the world's leading international violinists, and has been given the highest praise for his previous recordings on the Ondine label. Recent highlights include Tetzlaff's recording of Mozart violin sonatas - BBC Music Magazine Chamber Choice - and Schumann's violin sonatas - Gramophone Disc of the Month.
The first violin concerto was written during a wave of Anti-Semitism in Soviet Union and was premiered after Stalin's death. The second violin concerto is a grand example of Shostakovich's late period and includes several quotes from his earlier works.
John Storgårds began his career as a violinist and is today one of the most prominent Finnish conductors of his generations; particularly well known for his innovative and pioneering programs as Chief Conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra.
"Technically, Christian Tetzlaff's performances can't be faulted; there's an immaculate, cool precision to his playing combined with an utter lack of unnecessary flamboyance or any attempt at attention-seeking, that is hugely impressive. What's lacking sometimes is a bit of character." (The Guardian)
"The Helsinki Music Centre offers an ideal acoustic, allowing orchestral definition to emerge with clarity. The sound is absolutely terrific. The recording engineers have to be praised for achieving an ideal balance between soloist and orchestra. Whilst Oistrakh's 1956 recording of the Op. 99 with the New York Philharmonic under Mitropoulos and the Op. 129 with the Moscow Philharmonic under Kondrashin from the 1960s have always been benchmarks for me, these performances from Ondine offer worthy alternatives in state-of-the-art sound quality. Tetzlaff's interpretative insights into these complex scores set the bar high. I have no hesitation in nominating this release as a Recording of the Month." (Record of the Month MusicWeb Oct 2014)
"Warmly recommended as a supplement to brawnier, more oppressive readings." (Gramophone)
Tracks:
Violin Concerto No.1 in A minor op. 99 (1948) [36:08]
Violin Concerto No.2 in C sharp minor op. 129 (1967) [32:01]
