Hyperion's series on the Romantic Violin Concerto has reached Vol. 15, and the subjects of this installment are fairly obscure works by Emil Mlynarski and Aleksander Zarzycki, two Polish composers whose music reflects the late Romantic style dominant at the turn of the 20th century. Mlynarski's two violin concertos, in D minor and D major, respectively, were composed in the vein of Brahms and Dvorįk, and they show no formal or technical innovations, though the writing is competent and pleasant for its melodies. Zarzycki's ...
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Hyperion's series on the Romantic Violin Concerto has reached Vol. 15, and the subjects of this installment are fairly obscure works by Emil Mlynarski and Aleksander Zarzycki, two Polish composers whose music reflects the late Romantic style dominant at the turn of the 20th century. Mlynarski's two violin concertos, in D minor and D major, respectively, were composed in the vein of Brahms and Dvorįk, and they show no formal or technical innovations, though the writing is competent and pleasant for its melodies. Zarzycki's Introduction et cracovienne and the Mazurka are concerto-like display pieces that enliven the program with more sparkling solo writing than is found in the concertos, and the overt influence of Polish folk music gives them a festive feeling. Violinist Eugene Ugorski plays with buoyant energy and a bright sound, and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under Michal Dworzynski provides a solid accompaniment. Hyperion's recording is first-rate, giving Ugorski central placement in all the...
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