01. "Violin Concerto, Op. 24: I. Allegro non troppo ma passionato"
02. "Violin Concerto, Op. 24: II. Lento cantabile"
03. "Violin Concerto, Op. 24: III. Allegro vivace"
04. "Sinfonia Concertante, Op. 29: I. Allegro non troppo"
05. "Sinfonia Concertante, Op. 29: II. Theme and Variations: Andante"
06. "Sinfonia Concertante, Op. 29: III. Allegro con brio"
Description:
Born in Hungary and trained in Leipzig, Mikl's R zsa moved to America in 1940, winning a name for himself as a master of the Hollywood epic.
This CD presents an engaging coupling of a violin concerto and a sinfonia concertante, interpreted by the distinguished artists Khitruk, Tchekmazov and Yablonsky together with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra. The programme focuses on late-Romantic and early 20th-century orchestral writing, highlighting both the expressive lyricism of the solo violin and the intricate interplay between multiple soloists and full orchestra. Listeners can expect sweeping melodies, virtuoso passagework and rich orchestral colours that bring out the emotional range of the works, from intimate cantabile lines to dramatic climaxes. The recording is engineered to capture a natural concert-hall perspective, balancing the presence of the solo instruments with the depth of the orchestral sound.
The soloists on this disc are respected musicians with solid international careers, known above all for their commitment to serious repertoire and their collaborations with leading orchestras. Violinist Khitruk is associated with refined tone, stylistic clarity and a particular affinity for 20th-century music. Tchekmazov contributes a warm, resonant string voice, and conductor Yablonsky, at the helm of the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra, shapes the performances with rhythmic precision and a keen sense for large-scale architecture. Together, they offer readings that are at once disciplined and expressive, emphasizing structural coherence while allowing the music's emotional content to speak plainly.
Naxos, the label behind this release, has built a worldwide reputation as one of the most important classical music companies. Founded on the idea of making high-quality recordings accessible at an affordable price, Naxos has become a reference point for collectors seeking both core repertoire and lesser-known works. The label is particularly appreciated for its comprehensive series devoted to specific composers, historical periods and national schools, and for its commitment to working with orchestras and artists from around the globe. With its strong catalogue, reliable recording standards and broad distribution, Naxos ensures that this CD is presented in a form that appeals to both dedicated connoisseurs and listeners discovering this music for the first time.
This release will suit collectors who value substantial, well-played orchestral works that combine virtuosity with symphonic breadth. It is ideal for anyone interested in the contrast between the classic violin concerto format and the more conversational, chamber-like character of a sinfonia concertante, all within a thoughtfully curated, cohesive programme.