Search - Sergey Prokofiev, Gerard Schwarz, Seattle Symphony Orchestra :: Prokofiev: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

Best Recordings of Prokofiev's Violin Concertos Out There!

goodmusicman | USA | 03/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jennifer Frautschi's performances of the two Violin Concertos of Prokofiev are simply the best you'll ever hear. Most performances of this work display showmanship or precision instead of graceful poise, giving it a more mechanical sound than it should have. Frautschi brings great warmth and expressiveness to the lyrical outer movements of the First Concerto, making them sound more magical than ever. Her sweet, yet strong, tone creates a unique sound that emphasizes the fantasy of this work. This approach succeeds in highlighting Prokofiev's Romantic side, instead of his modernism. Frautschi's colorful playing also reminds the listener that Prokofiev was, indeed, a student of Rimsky-Korsakov! Her inner movement is virtuosic, though not as fast as some other recordings, which is in keeping with her overall conception of the concerto. The accompaniment of the Seattle Symphony under the direction of Gerard Schwartz perfectly complements Frautschi's approach, and together they capture the essence of this work like few others have.



The Second Concerto is again played with great beauty and warmth by Frautschi, displaying her obvious agility with the violin in its varied sound-possibilities. This work combines lyricism with a more humorous exploration of the concerto form. Parts of the first and third movements are reminiscent of some film music, while other sections are evocative of Prokofiev's own "Romeo and Juliet" ballet score. The second movement is one of the most beautiful lyrical passages that Prokofiev ever wrote and Frautschi's playing is as heartwarming as one could possibly ask. Frautschi obviously understands this work and so do the orchestra and conductor, which provide fervent orchestral playing throughout. Other recent accounts of these works, while admirable, do not match Frautschi's warm expressivism and sweet, but firm, intonation. The sound quality throughout is deep and satisfying, favoring the violinist, which is a good thing, since it truly is her show!



In sum, you should consider this CD a must have if you are a fan of these concertos and, even if not, you will likely be enraptured by Frautschi's mesmerizing violin playing and the unique sound-world created by these works. We should keep a lookout for recordings by Jennifer Frautschi, who has proven herself (in this, her orchestral debut) to be one of the most promising violinists on the scene today.



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Prokofiev Abroad

Paul Williams | KC MO | 10/06/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I heard Jennifer Frautschi play with the KC Symphony last spring, Saint-Saens' Concerto, and it was terrific. As the conductor said that day, 'She plays like a dream.'

These concerti were introduced by Prokofiev in the West. The First was first played in Paris; the Second was the written to fulfill the last commission he received before returning to Russia. The First relates to his short "Classical Symphony" with its wit, its precision and clarity. The second movement is a technical marvel at high speed but Frautschi plays it with brilliance. There is a sense of movement to many of the sections of "Romeo and Juliet", Prokofiev's ballet, a sense of grand entrances of important people, or of the inevitability of tragedy about to catch up to us. The Second Violin Concerto has some of this sense also; you can hear echoes of the ballet suite(s) throughout, a lyrical flow that has sweeping melody.

As the notes explain, Jennifer Frautschi has been honored by a private foundation with the loan of a Stradivarius violin on which she performs.

I enjoy this CD, this music a lot, and she does it extremely well. Gerard Schwartz, from his discography, often supports new artists and he and the orchestra back her with distinction."