Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Augustin Dumay, Veronika Hagen :: Mozart: Violin Concerto No.2; Sinfonia Concertante K.364; etc.

One of the best Sinfonia concertantes, warmly played

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 10/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As the lack of reviews here indicates, Augustin Dumay isn't well known in the U.S., despite holding down a premium recording contract with DG. His solo and chamber work has been superb, especially with his frequent partner, pianist Maria Joao Pires. In this engaging Mozart recital the main work is a warm, stylish Sinfonia concertante for violin and viola, one of Moart's most loved concerto works. There are acclaimed versions by David and Igor Oistrakh on EMI and Itshak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman on DG. This new one is fresher, lighter, and more imaginative than either.



Dumay's viola partner is Veronika Hagen, of the Hagen Quartet. Her tone is refined and intimate, like Dumay's--they are well matched. Both seek out original phrasing, abetted by the excellent Salzburg chamber group. Tempos are quickish, almost up to period performance standards. Altogether, the performance seem freshly minted, as does the Violin Concerto #2 and the lovely Rondo for violin and orchestra K. 373. This is an overlooked CD that Mozart lovers would find unexpected pleasure in."