Ah -- smart programming. It's as satisfying to see as it is to hear. While smartly programmed live performances will often feature one work of wide recognition and popularity to draw in the audience and then expose people to lesser-known works, so do well-considered CD programs. In this case, the "blockbuster" is Saint-Saëns' Third Violin Concerto, likely his most significant contribution to the violin repertoire. Of course it's not enough for a piece simply to be popular; it must also be performed well. Violinist Jean ...
Read More
Ah -- smart programming. It's as satisfying to see as it is to hear. While smartly programmed live performances will often feature one work of wide recognition and popularity to draw in the audience and then expose people to lesser-known works, so do well-considered CD programs. In this case, the "blockbuster" is Saint-Saëns' Third Violin Concerto, likely his most significant contribution to the violin repertoire. Of course it's not enough for a piece simply to be popular; it must also be performed well. Violinist Jean-Jacques Kantorow and the Tapiola Sinfonietta deliver a brilliant performance that is unlikely to disappoint. Kantorow's playing is elegant, powerful, and exciting. His palate of tone colors is quite varied, ranging from dark and sultry to sparkling and effortless. The orchestra provides an equally convincing effort, making its accompanimental role tight and energetic while always stepping to the side when the soloist reenters. This performance of Saint-Saëns' Third is definitely...
Read Less
