Search - Dmitry Shostakovich, Neeme Järvi, Scottish National Orchestra :: Shostakovich: Violin Concertos No. 1, Op. 99 & No. 2, Op. 129

Give Shostakovich a violin, and you've got two brilliant con

Eric S. Kim | Southern California | 09/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The violin seems to have been a favorite among many composers. Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Berg, Stravinsky, Sibelius, and many others have written either concertos or other compositions in which this particular instrument is the primary focus. Even though I haven't heard all of them, I'm pretty sure all of them are fantastic pieces. Dimitri Shostakovich's violin concertos are also worthy of praise. This is the first time I've ever heard these two compositions, and it will won't be the final time. These are such powerful violin works. The first, which was composed in 1948, contains four movements (Nocturne, Scherzo, Passacaglia, and Burlesque) and has some touches of Stravinsky in it. The second, composed in 1967, is a clear contrast to the colorful atmosphere of the first. This is darker and moodier than the first, and it features a somewhat percussive third movement that might sound a bit inappropriate, but it works really well here. Now some critics have panned Shostakovich because he repeatedly borrows from numerous composers. While it is true that his music may lack some originality, I can't help but admire it. The violin concertos, especially, are two of his finest works. Neeme Jarvi does a very fine job with the two concertos: no exaggerations whatsoever. The Scottish National Orchestra is surprisingly superb, while the violinist Lydia Mordrovitch does wonders with both works. Sound Quality from Chandos is, as usual, as good as it gets."