Korngold: Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35 - Dvarionas: Prie ezerelio (By the Lake) - Violin Concerto in B minor

Album review

Although he is fondly remembered for his many exemplary film scores composed during the Second World War, Korngold's more "serious" concerto works -- particularly those written after the war -- are becoming increasingly well-respected and widely performed. Chief among those works gaining tremendous popularity is his violin concerto. Hints of the sweep and grandeur of the film genre can still be heard in the concerto, but never to the point where Korngold's music sounds trite or unpolished. Rather, Korngold casts the violin in a decidedly Romantic style while still managing to include snippets of previous film scores, making for an easily accessible listening experience. Contrasting sharply with Korngold's increasing popularity is Lithuanian composer Balys Dvarionas. Like Korngold, his Violin Concerto of 1948 is very much in the neo-Romantic tradition, with highly lyrical solo lines and impressively rich orchestral tuttis. Why this concerto exists in obscurity is a mystery as it is entirely satisfying. Performing on this BIS album is violinist Vadim Gluzman and Residentie Orkest den Haag under Neeme Järvi. Both Gluzman and Järvi turn out spectacular performances. Gluzman's playing is fiery, intricate, untiringly lyrical, and powerfully lyrical; he gives listeners a performance that is every bit as musically fulfilling as it is technically polished. Järvi leads the orchestra through a noticeably exciting accompaniment, particularly in the energized outer movements of the Dvarionas concerto. Highly recommended on all levels, this album is sure to please.

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