Andrés Cárdenes Performs Violin Concertos

Album review

After a successful and well-regarded recording of the Brahms and Mendelssohn violin concertos, violinist Andrés Cárdenes returns, this time on the Albany Records label, for a selection of American compositions for violin and orchestra. Cárdenes brings the same synthesis of detailed, precision playing and robust, warm musical interpretation to this album. The Sinfonia Varsovia is again Cárdenes' orchestra of choice, again led by conductor Ian Hobson, and this time delivers an even more solid, vigorous performance than before. Gorgeous solos from the woodwinds in the Barber concerto and strong, percussive rhythmicity in the David Stock concerto prove that Sinfonia Varsovia can indeed hold its own. Also on the program is the Copland violin sonata, arranged and published for violin and chamber orchestra by Gerald Elias during Copland's lifetime; this composition is accompanied by the Sinfonia de Camera. Cárdenes' playing is impressive throughout for its beauty of tone in both lyrical and rhythmic sections of the concertos. His vibrato, particularly in the slow movements of the Barber and Copland, is completely satisfying and almost comforting. The only possible let down is Cárdenes' tempo selection in the "perpetual motion" movements of both the Barber and Stock concertos. With such an abundant technique from which to draw, these movements are surprisingly slow and safe, and the orchestra seems to only be tentatively keeping up with Barber's Presto even at the slower tempo. Still, Cárdenes playing is so enjoyable, clean, and well-thought-out that this album is still sure to be enjoyed.

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