Shostakovich: Violon Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

These performances were widely admired in their original issues, on separate CDs with other repertoire, but it seems most sensible to have the two Shostakovich violin concertos coupled together on a single CD. Vengerov performs both of them with consummate artistry, and well did he deserve the accolade of ‘Record of the Year’ which he gained for the First Concerto on its original release in 1995.

Again Vengerov's technique is flawless, but more important, his understanding of the music is palpable. The expressive range is effortlessly but meaningfully conveyed, with tempi expertly thought through, for which all praise to the composer's friend Mstislav Rostropovich. The LSO are on top form throughout, but inevitably it is the playing and interpretations of Maxim Vengerov that steal the show. --Terry Barfoot, musicweb-international.com
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MP3 320 · 162 MB