LUKAS FOSS
Foss: Ode / Renaissance Concerto / Three American Pieces / Symphony No. 1 in G major Amy Porter (flute) Nikki Chooi (violin) / Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, JoAnn Falletta [ Naxos American Classics / CD - due 24/May/2024 ] Berlin-born Lukas Foss studied music in Paris before settling in Philadelphia in 1937. Though he freely explored diverse compositional styles, three of the works in this recording fall into his early neo-Classical period and exemplify his dictum that... |
ASTOR PIAZZOLLA
Piazzolla: Buenos Aires - arrangements for Violin and String Orchestra Tomás Cotik (violin) / Martingale Ensemble, Ken Selden [ Naxos / CD - due 19/Apr/2024 ] Astor Piazzolla's Nuevo tango transcends categories and represents an amalgam of international influences. All the arrangements in this album are of instrumental works that Piazzolla composed for his Quinteto Nuevo Tango. |
VALENTIN SILVESTROV
Silvestrov: Symphony for Violin and Orchestra / Postludium for Piano and Orchestra Janusz Wawrowski (violin) Jurgis Karnavičius (piano) / Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Lyndon-Gee/ [ Naxos / CD - due 24/May/2024 ] Berlin-born Lukas Foss studied music in Paris before settling in Philadelphia in 1937. Though he freely explored diverse compositional styles, three of the works in this recording fall into his early neo-Classical period and exemplify his dictum that... |
EDWARD ELGAR / MAX BRUCH / ARTHUR BLISS
The Bel Canto Violin Vol 5 Alfredo Campoli (violin) / London Philharmonic Orchestra, Adian Boult, Arthur Bliss [ Decca Australian Eloquence / 2 CD - released 1/Feb/2018 ] One of the most significant violinists in gramophone history, Alfredo Campoli enjoyed tremendous success in the 1930s as a purveyor of light music, both in concerts with his own salon orchestra and on Decca. A series of six 2CD reissues from... |
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH
Shostakovich: Violin Concertos Nos 1 & 2 Alina Ibragimova (violin), State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia 'Evgeny Svetlanov', Vladimir Jurowski (conductor) [ Hyperion / CD - released 5/Jun/2020 ] GRAMOPHONE Award WINNER 2021 - Concerto BBC Music Award Nomination 2021 - Concerto |
JOHN WILLIAMS
Williams: Violin Concerto No. 2 / Selected Film Themes Anne-Sophie Mutter (violin) / Boston Symphony Orchestra, John Williams [ Deutsche Grammophon / CD - released 10/Jun/2022 ] Deutsche Grammophon is proud to present the world-premiere recording of John Williams's Violin Concerto no.2. The work was written for and recorded by the venerated composer's friend and frequent collaborator Anne-Sophie Mutter. |
JOHANNES BRAHMS / CLARA SCHUMANN
Brahms: Double Concerto & Clara Schumann: Piano Trio Anne-Sophie Mutter (violin), Pablo Fernandez (cello), Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Manfred Honeck, Lambert Orkis (piano) [ Sony Classical / CD - released 4/Nov/2022 ] An aristocrat of the string world is united with one of its most exciting newcomers - this is the first joint album by Anne-Sophie Mutter and Pablo Ferrández. |
CHARLES VILLIERS STANFORD
Stanford: Suite for Violin and Orchestra Op 32 / Violin Concerto in D major Op 74 Anthony Marwood (violin) / BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins [ Hyperion Romantic Violin Concerto Vol 2 / CD - released 15/Nov/2000 ] 2001 GRAMOPHONE AWARD FINALIST - Concerto - "A first recording for the Violin Concerto, and a performance unlikely to be bettered. Anthony Marwood is the impassioned soloist" |
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY
Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto / Sérénade mélancolique / Valse-Scherzo Joshua Bell (violin) Midori (violin) / The Cleveland Orchestra, Vladimir Ashkenazy, London Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin [ Decca Virtuoso / CD - released 23/Apr/2012 ] "Bell's is a masterly performance full of flair, Ashkenazy's contribution adds considerably to the performance." Gramophone |
KORNGOLD / SHOSTAKOVICH / MAHLER / etc
Nicola Benedetti - The Silver Violin Nicola Benedetti (violin) / Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Kirill Karabits [ Decca Music Group / CD - released 13/Sep/2012 ] "Benedetti decorates this repertoire with gleaming high-register pirouettes, plus vibrato throbs and hesitations that never descend into schmaltz...Such good taste is a pleasure, though her discretion can make the music paler than necessary." (The Times) |
MAX BRUCH / PYOTR Il'yich TCHAIKOVSKY
Bruch/Tchaikovsky: Violin Concertos Nicola Benedetti (violin) / Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Jakub Hrusa [ Decca Classics / CD - released 23/Feb/2012 ] "Nicola Benedetti can be proud of this disc...there's a flexibility, a confidence and a rapport here that makes for consistently rewarding listening" (International Record Review) |
WILLIAM WALTON
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Walton: Belshazzar's Feast / Violin Concerto / Coronation Te Deum Benjamin Luxon (baritone), London Philharmonic Choir & Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti / Kyung Wha Chung (violin) London Symphony Orchestra, Andre Previn [ Decca The World of British Classics / CD - released 14/Apr/1994 ] Three classic performances on one budget CD |
BOHUSLAV MARTINU
Martinu: The Complete Music for Violin and Orchestra (Vol 4) Bohuslav Matousek (violin) / Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Hogwood [ Hyperion / CD - released 20/Sep/2008 ] "In these beautifully recorded performances, both Christopher Hogwood and Bohuslav Matoushek have a profound understanding of Martinu's style and the Czech Philharmonic responds with radiant playing." (BBC Music) |
WITOLD LUTOSLAWSKI
Lutoslawski: Concerto for Orchestra / Partita for Violin and Orchestra / Novelette Christian Tetzlaff (violin) / Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra Nicholas Collon [ Ondine / CD - released 26/Jan/2024 ] "This compelling release from conductor Nicholas Collon and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra makes clear the evolutionary exuberance of Lutosławski's creative development." Five Stars BBC Music January 2024 Orchestral Choice |
LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN
Beethoven: Triple Concerto / Symphony No 7 Daniel Barenboim (piano/conductor), Anne-Sophie Mutter (violin), Yo-Yo Ma (cello) / West-Eastern Divan Orchestra [ Deutsche Grammophon / CD - released 15/May/2020 ] "This is a fine, generously-filled and well-recorded album of Beethoven's music, in traditional performances that are very good." MusicWeb May 2020 |
PHILIP GLASS / TAN DUN / JACK HEGGIE / MARK-ANTHONY TURNAGE
Daniel Hope - Music For A New Century Daniel Hope (violin) / New Century Chamber Orchestra [ Deutsche Grammophon / CD - released 16/Jun/2023 ] "Tan Dun's Double Concerto is invigorating and evocative in its mixing of Chinese and western musical styles. Mark-Anthony Turnage's Lament, as melancholy as its title suggest, provides a powerful vehicle for Hope's virtuosity." The Observer |
PYOTR TCHAIKOVSKY
Tchaikovsky - None But The Lonely Heart [Incls Violin Concerto] Daniel Lozakovich (violin) / National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia, Vladimir Spivakov [ Deutsche Grammophon / CD - released 29/Nov/2019 ] "the entire album is hugely enjoyable and offers ample proof that the violinist, still in his teens, is no mere flash in the pan." Gramophone Editor's Choice March 2020 |
VARIOUS
David Garrett - Iconic David Garrett (violin), Franck van der Heijden, orchestra the Prezent [ Deutsche Grammophon / CD - released 9/Dec/2022 ] The inspiration behind this album was the golden age of the star violinist. Players such as Heifetz, Kreisler, Francescatti, Grumiaux and, of course, the great Yehudi Menuhin are all idols of mine, and that's why I chose the title Iconic" - David... |
LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No 5 / Violin Concerto (Piano transcription) Diedre Irons (piano) / Christchurch Symphony Orchestra / Marc Taddei, Conductor [ Trust / 2 CD - released 25/Dec/2004 ] Completing the cycle of Beethoven's piano concertos, this 2-CD set also includes the rarely heard piano transcription of the Violin Concerto. |
ANTONIO VIVALDI
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Donald Armstrong (violin) / New Zealand Chamber Orchestra [ Atoll Records New Zealand / CD - released 18/Nov/2002 ] "In a market crowded with versions of these concerti, the NZSO Chamber Orchestra has given us a first-class, vivid, well-recorded reading. The solo passages feature Donald Armstrong obtaining the sweetest, liveliest tones from his 1754 Gagliano... |
ANTONIO VIVALDI
The New Four Seasons - Vivaldi Recomposed Chineke! Orchestra, Elena Urioste (violin), Max Richter [ Deutsche Gramophone / CD - released 10/Jun/2022 ] When Max Richter's Recomposed first exploded into our collective ears almost a decade ago, a 59-minutes-28-seconds sonic starburst, the effect for so many people was total. We hadn't heard anything like that, ever. |
SAMUEL & AVRIL COLERIDGE-TAYLOR
Coleridge-Taylor: African Suite / Violin Concerto / Nonet in F minor / etc Elena Urioste (violin), Chineke! Orchestra [ Decca / 2 CD - released 30/Sep/2022 ] "..one of the biggest and best collections of his music yet released. At its heart is the heavenly Violin Concerto; Elena Urioste and the orchestra under Kevin John Edusei give a wonderful performance full of fiery spirit and delicacy." BBC Music |
W. A. MOZART
Mozart: Violin Concertos 3 & 4 Francesa Dego (violin), Francesca Leonardi (piano), Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Sir Roger Norrington (conductor) [ Chandos / CD - released 21/Sep/2021 ] "These performances capture the very essence of Mozart's Salzburg style best, setting up, meticulously matching and weaving in and out of the solo line with captivating suppleness and alertness." Five Stars BBC Music Recording of the Month Nov 21 |
W. A. MOZART
Mozart: Violin Concertos, Vol. 2 Francesca Dego (violin) / Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Sir Roger Norrington [ Chandos / CD - released 14/Oct/2022 ] Following their critically acclaimed first volume of Mozart's violin concertos (CHAN 20234), Francesca Dego and Sir Roger Norrington complete the set, once again with outstanding support from a reduced Royal Scottish National Orchestra. |
JOHN ADAMS
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Adams: Violin Concerto / Shaker Loops Gidon Kremer (violin) / London Symphony Orchestra, Kent Nagano, Orchestra of St. Luke's, John Adams [ Nonesuch / CD - released 1/Oct/2019 ] "Kremer plays the concerto like he can't wait to get to the next phrase. "Committed" just begins to describe his playing. His tone - which in the past I've found nervous and a bit steely - warms up considerably for Adams." ClassicalNet |
SILVESTROV / PIAZZOLLA / KANCHELI / SCHNITTKE / SCHUMANN / BRAHMS / etc
Gidon Kremer: The Warner Collection Complete Teldec, EMI Classics & Erato Recordings Gidon Kremer (violin), with Andrei Gavrilov (piano) Oleg Maisenberg (piano) Clemens Hagen (cello) Kremerata Baltica, etc [ Warner Classics / 21 CD Box Set - released 1/Oct/2021 ] Gidon Kremer avoids the well-trodden paths of the musical world as he explores it with style and sensitivity. Kremer combines a passion for freedom with a quest for authenticity, as is revealed in the recordings he made over a period of two decades. |
HENRYK WIENIAWSKI
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Wieniawski: Violin Concertos Nos 1 & 2 / Legende op. 17 (with Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen) Gil Shaham (violin) / London Symphony Orchestra, Lawrence Foster [ Deutsche Grammophon / CD - released 14/Apr/2006 ] 1001 Classical recordings you must hear before you die (1851-1900) - "He is a marvellous violinist with a beautiful tone." (TP 1001 Classical) |
SERGEI PROKOFIEV
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Prokofiev: Violin Concertos Nos 1 & 2 / Sonata for Solo Violin in D minor Gil Shaham (violin) / London Symphony Orchestra, Andre Previn [ Deutsche Grammophon / CD - released 20/Nov/2001 ] |
ANTONIN DVORAK / ALBERTO GINASTERA / PABLO de SARASATE
Hilary Hahn - Eclipse Hilary Hahn (violin) / Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, Andrés Orozco-Estrada [ Deutsche Grammophon / CD - released 14/Oct/2022 ] BBC Music Magazine Award Nomination 2023 - Concerto |
BEETHOVEN / SCHUBERT / DVORAK / TCHAIKOVSKY / KREISLER / etcc
Ida Haendel - The Decca Legacy Ida Haendel (violin) with Ivor Newton (piano) Adela Kotowska (piano) National Symphony Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra [ Decca Eloquence / 6 CD Box Set - released 20/Oct/2020 ] "That special, spontaneous warmth of response … places Haendel's Tchaikovsky performance for Decca among the finest recordings ever made of this wonderful concerto." Gramophone, July 1999 |
LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN
Beethoven - Triple Concerto / Choral Fantasy Itzhak Perlman (violin) Daniel Barenboim (piano) Yo-Yo Ma (cello) / The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra [ EMI Classics / EuroArts DVD / DVD - released 1/Oct/2015 ] Itzhak Perlman is joined by fellow veteran Daniel Barenboim and Yo-Yo Ma in two great Beethoven works |
SZYMANOWSKI / RAVEL / YSAYE / LUTOSLAWSKI
Janusz Wawrowski - Phoenix Janusz Wawrowski (violin), Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Grzegorz Nowak [ Warner Classics / CD - released 12/Mar/2021 ] Janusz Wawrowski's new album, Phoenix, could be subtitled 'Hidden Concerto'. It pairs violin concertos by Tchaikovsky and the 20th century Polish composer Ludomir Różycki. |
RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS
Vaughan Williams: A Vaughan Williams Anthology [8 CD set] Joan Rodgers (sop) Christopher Maltman (bar) Jennifer Pike (violin) / Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, New Zealand Symphony, Royal Liverpool Philharmon [ Naxos / 8 CD Box Set - released 8/Apr/2022 ] Ralph Vaughan Williams is one of Britain's most illustrious composers, and this specially curated selection of works demonstrates the sheer breadth of his achievement. |
GERALD FINZI
Finzi: In Years Defaced / Prelude Op 25 / Romance Op 11 / Concerto for Small Orchestra John Mark Ainsley (tenor) Tasmin Little (violin) / City of London Sinfonia, Hickox [ Chandos Classics / CD - released 12/Feb/2001 ] GRAMOPHONE MAGAZINE: Editor's Choice (May 2001) |
OLIVER DAVIS
Davs: Flight Kerenza Peacock (violin) Huw Watkins (piano) / London Symphony Orchestra, Paul Bateman [ Signum / CD - released 15/Apr/2015 ] Flight is the stunning new album of works from British composer Oliver Davis (b.1972), composed for and in collaboration with violinist Kerenza Peacock. Flight captures the spirit of movement and energy present in many of Davis's compositions, which... |
LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN / MAX BRUCH
Beethoven / Bruch: Violin Concertos (LP) Kyung-Wha Chung (violin) / London Philharmonic Orchestra, Klaus Tennstedt [ Warner Classics / LP - released 6/May/2022 ] One of the great modern version of these two famous violin concertos, released on CD in 1992 and available for the first time on vinyl. |
W. A. MOZART
Mozart Momentum - 1785 Leif Ove Andsnes (piano), Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Matthew Truscott (violin), Joel Hunter (viola), Frank-Michael Guthmann (cello) [ Sony Classical / 2 CD - released 28/May/2021 ] 'Socially distanced they may have been but the camaraderie that was so evident in their groundbreaking Beethoven cycle with Leif Ove Andsnes is, if anything, even more apparent here.' Gramophone Recording of the Month June 2021 |
W. A. MOZART
Mozart Momentum - 1786 Leif Ove Andsnes (piano) / Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Matthew Truscott (violin), Joel Hunter (viola), Frank-Michael Guthmann (cello) Christiane Karg [ Sony Classical / 2 CD - released 8/Apr/2022 ] 'Time and again Andsnes had me reaching for the score to confirm things I'd never noticed before...some of the finest Mozart-playing on the planet.' Gramophone Award Finalist 2022 - Concerto |
LASSEN / SCHARWENKA / LANGGAARD
Lassen / Scharwenka / Langgaard: The Romantic Violin Concerto Linus Roth (violin) / BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Antony Hermus [ Hyperion Romantic Violin Concerto Vol 22 / CD - released 31/May/2019 ] "Roth plays with almost missionary zeal, he and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, under Antony Hermus, making a convincing case for these works to be more widely performed." The Observer |
FRANCK / SZYMANOWSKI / CHAUSSON / DEBUSSY
Lisa Batiashvili - Secret Love Letters Lisa Batiashvili (violin) Giorgi Gigashvili (piano) / Philadelphia Orchestra, Yannick Nézet-Séguin [ Deutsche Grammophon / CD - released 19/Aug/2022 ] "Batiashvili favours an interpretative line that is easier to experience than to describe, not self-effacing so much as intimate, flexible, unhurried.." (Gramophone Editor's Choice Oct 2022) |