Search - Godard, Moszkowski, Christian :: Violin Concertos

A pair of charming Romantic concertos

Evan Wilson | Cambridge, MA | 07/24/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Here are a pair of likeable middle- to late-Romantic violin concertos which would charm audiences if anyone actually revived them in the concert hall. Neither is terribly original, but both contain a wealth of pleasant melody and some entertaining virtuoso fireworks.The Moszkowski, though written in 1883, is clearly modeled on (and sounds like) Mendelssohn's E-minor concerto even if it is about 10 minutes longer. Although there is an occasional bald patch, this is really a lovely piece of music without any higher goal than to please. The Andante is especially appealing with a lot of high flying filigree work from the violinist against attractive orchestral textures. There are echoes of other composers throughout this piece, including a melody that kept sounding like it wanted to break out into a Puccini aria. Even at 40 minutes, it does not wear out its welcome. Godard's concerto echoes Bruch's 1st concerto (and perhaps the Scottish Fantasy) in its mixture of romantic passion and virtuosity. It has slightly larger pretentions than the Moszkowski, but Godard clearly knew he wasn't a world-beater. Instead, we get an honestly wrought piece full of pleasant melodies (if not quite as memorable as Bruch's) and solid Romantic drama. This piece has less bald patches than the Moszkowski although frankly I like Moskowski's concerto better because the themes are more memorable. In any case, BOTH concertos deserve an occasional performance as replacements for the overdone Mendelssohn and Bruch concertos.The performances are full of fire, although Mr. Christian isn't blessed with the most beautiful tone. Never mind, though, since it's unlikely anyone else will take up these pieces any time soon."