MOZART, W.A.: Violin Concerto No. 2 / Violin Concerto in E flat major, K. 268 (Andrade, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Masur)

Albumbeschreibung

One of the most interesting aspects of this recording of two of the Mozart violin concertos performed by Janine Andrade with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra under Kurt Masur is the actual choice of concertos performed. First on the program is the Concerto in D major, K. 211, one of the least frequently performed of Mozart's concertos. While Mozart was a master of the piano concerto, his use of the violin and orchestra was much more tentative and immature, particularly in his first two attempts. The second concerto on the disc, listed as K. 268, is an even more unusual choice as it is generally agreed that Mozart did not actually compose this piece; rather, it has long been speculated that Mozart's now infamous student Franz Xaver Süssmayer (among others) may be the likely author. As to the performances themselves, the Gewandhaus Orchestra provides its usual warm, rich, and full tone as Masur did not believe in paring down the orchestra for Mozart performances. The soloist, Janine Andrade, provides adequate interpretations of these two concertos, although there is nothing truly memorable about her musicality or technique, certainly nothing to enhance the limited excitement of the K. 211 concerto. Despite its questionable authorship, recordings of the K. 268 concerto are hard to come by, and this recording can still be of interest from an historical perspective.

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