Brahms and Berg violin Concertos
On this CD, French violinist Renaud Capucon joins the British conductor Daniel Harding and the Wiener Philharmoniker for two major concertos, as performed by an international team.
The expansive, lyrical Brahms concerto, first performed in 1878 by Joseph Joachim, is at the peak of the composer’s beautifully warm, romantic sounds. The Berg concerto, written in 1935, is dedicated to the memory of Manon Gropius, who had died. And the composer subtitled the work “To the memory of an angel”.
Teaming up here with the Vienna Philharmonic under Daniel Harding, Renaud Capuçon shows us an excellent grasp of the concerto’s expressive musical lines. He traces the first movement’s breadth of line and its arching shapes while maintaining its overall momentum. Later, the second movement’s tranquility captures the listener’s imagination. The rhythmic punch and energy of the third movement (Finale) are echoed by the orchestra’s powerful attack and strong rhythmical playing.
The tracks on this CD are:
- 1. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major/D-dur/en ré majeur Op.77: I. Allegro non troppo
- 2. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major/D-dur/en ré majeur Op.77: II. Adagio
- 3. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major/D-dur/en ré majeur Op.77: III. Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace
- 4. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, “To the memory of an angel”/”A la mémoire d’un ange”: Andante – Allegretto
- 5. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, “To the memory of an angel”/”A la mémoire d’un ange”: Allegro – Adagio
Performed by Renaud Capuçon (violin), with the Wiener Philharmoniker, conducted by Daniel Harding
Here is a brief extract of Renaud Capuçon performing the Brahms and Berg Violin Concertos:
http://youtu.be/fguIIVUcEG4
And here’s one of my great favorites: The Handel-Halvorsen Passacaglia, played by by Renaud Capuçon, violin, and his brother, Gautier Capuçon, Cello: (Wonderful playing!)
On my Playlist at Spotify called “Hank’s Playlist “JOY”, you have an opportunity to listen to more of Mr. Capucon’s recordings. Click HERE to explore selections 6, 7, and 8 on this playlist.
Tags: Renaud Capucon, violinist, Johannes Brahms, Alban Berg