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This motley collection of virtuoso works is well played by Nikolai Znajder although one must be frank and say that this playing is nothing special. The Sibelius Concerto is full of mannerisms and interpretative decisions that mar the flow of the work considerably. Znaider is at his best in the fantastic Adagio di molto where his dreamy violin wafts and floats above the orchestra with wanton spirituality. The accompaniment of the Liege orchestra is adequate enough although there are occasional lapses here and there. The enthusiastic applause that ends the work shows that Znaider touches the heart even if his playing is not technically perfect. In the chamber works all is spiritual and rapt and the playing improves quite considerably. I enjoyed the solo Ysaye sonata that contains some incredibly beautiful melodies that are permeated with a deep sense of spiritual longing especially in the Allegro furioso that rounds off the work with devilish intricacy. The same goes for the Debussy Sonata, which is played with a certain charm that includes a considerable contribution from Sophie Rachlin, an immensely talented and gifted accompanist. Wienawski and Chausson make strange bedfellows but Znaider makes short work of these with fiendishly quick renditions but which are markedly lacking in passionate intensity. A mixed bag of a disc which only contains a brief biographical sketch by way of notes and if it retails at full price is a not inconsiderable expense. Generally one cannot fail to admire Znaider's playing but there are infinitely better violin concerto and sonata recordings on offer.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

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