Search - Henryk Wieniawski, Antoni Wit, Katowice Radio Symphony Orchestra :: Wieniawski: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

A beautiful sampler of an almost-forgotten romantic

B. G. Reinhart | Houston, TX | 12/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've listened to this disc a few times now and stopped by Amazon out of curiosity, to see if anyone else had reviewed it. The other review here is pretty negative, so I'd like to provide a little contrast.



My main interest is the beloved Second Concerto, which here receives an excellent performance. Marat Bisangeliev is a violinist who would rather create lyrical, poetic moods than indulge in superhuman note-spinning. As a result there are many moments to reflect, and there are slower tempi at some points, but this is all exceptionally well done. The slow movement especially is beautiful. But just because Bisangeliev tends to play on the slow side, don't think he isn't an accomplished virtuoso! I very much doubt the previous critic can REALLY play the first solo in the Second Concerto's finale as quickly as Bisangeliev does!



The other recording I have of the Second is of the incomparable Jascha Heifetz, but sadly that CD is no longer sold in the US. Heifetz is ideal in this (and every other) concerto, a blend of passion and technical firepower that nobody can match. But if you can't order the disc from abroad (it also includes the concerti of Sibelius and Tchaikovsky), or if you want all of Wieniawski's major works for violin and orchestra, this CD will serve you very well.



The orchestra - led by the great Antoni Wit - are admirable accompanists, especially in the Second Concerto's finale. Unlike the previous reviewer, I can hear the basses (try about a minute and a half into the second movement). The violas and brass also play very well in their occasional solo turns.



All in all a very good introduction to Wieniawski, with enjoyable performances and quality modern sound. It's a step down from the greatness of Heifetz, of course, but for the Naxos price this is a terrific deal, and if the romantic concertos of Bruch, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky appeal to you, you ought to give this disc a try. Henryk Wieniawski was one of the great violin composers of the 19th century, and it's a pity he's not played more often in concert today. I'm glad we at least have CDs like this one, to continue to enjoy his superb music in great performances at a good price."

A worthwhile version

G.D. | Norway | 02/16/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Wieniawski's first violin concerto is an early work from the 1850s, and is - despite some good ideas - not really a very memorable work. Yet it remains an apt coupling for the far more accomplished second concerto from ten years later. The latter is indeed an excellent work of strong, memorable melodies and a sure construction, with many imaginative touches. Naxos sensibly throws in the early Fantasie brillante on themes from Faust as a filler, which is welcome even if it is hardly a work anyone but the most ardent violin buff would want to hear more than once.



Now, Wieniawski's writing is partly to blame, but Bisengaliev's first entry in the first concerto is almost jarring in its hardness. Still, this is overall a rather appealing performance, even if a more sweet-toned, gentle sound is often missed. His technique is indeed impressive, however, and much of the playing is very beautiful, especially in the slow movements - and aptly virtuosic in the hollow Fantasie. Some more fantasy and imagination would not have gone amiss in the outer movements of both concertos, however. Still, this is overall a very commendable release - Bisengaliev is backed up with color and sensitivity from the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra under Antoni Wit, and they are given a warm, dynamic recording. Overall, then this is a welcome release, and despite some minor shortcomings I wouldn't hesitate to give it a firm recommendation, even though there are superior versions out there (Shaham and Foster, in particular)."