Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 3

Album review

Written with his trademark blazing speed and within an astonishingly short time frame, the Mozart violin concertos have become a staple of the violin repertoire. Though written quickly, they were not hastily composed. The concertos are a model of elegance and refinement and already began breaking new ground on what was thought to be standard concerto writing. This set of the first three concertos, performed by violinist Emmy Verhey and the Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra, has been released on the Brilliant Classics label several times since its original recording in 1989. The overriding question is: why? While Verhey's playing in these three concertos is sufficient, nothing remarkable exists to warrant repeated reissuing. Her interpretation is neither staunchly period practice nor is it a highly romanticized take; it's very middle-of-the-road, not distinguishing itself one way or the other. The orchestra, conducted by Eduardo Marturet, is even less remarkable. Articulation is nowhere clear enough, and the orchestra often sounds more like it's playing Brahms than Mozart. With so many magnificent recordings of these timeless works available, listeners have very few reasons to select this rather mediocre offering.

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