BLOCH, E.: Violin Concerto / LEES, B.: Violin Concerto (Oliveira) (Ernest Bloch - Benjamin Lees)

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Since his unprecedented Gold Medal victory at the Tchaikovsky International Competition, violinist Elmar Oliveira has established himself not only as a powerful and reliable interpreter of the cornerstone works of the violin repertoire, but also as a champion of new works for the instrument. Composed in 1937 and 1958, respectively, neither the Bloch nor Lees violin concertos qualify as new compositions. However, neither of them have received the attention in concert halls or recording studios that they deserve and are likely unknown to a wide swath of listeners. One of Oliveira's many talents is taking such works and delivering performances that immediately convince listeners of their inherent musical value. This is an especially daunting task in the Lees concerto, which, as the composer himself states in the liner notes, is risky given its opening with two consecutive slow movements. The intensity and focus of Oliveira's sound is more than sufficient to grab listeners' attention from the very first note. His ample technical abilities never overshadow his successful desire to communicate the musical and emotional qualities of the music to his listeners. On this album, Oliveira is accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, an ensemble that performs its duties sufficiently, but without the same level of intensity and commitment of Oliveira.
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