Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)
Violin Concerto in D major,
Op. 35 (1879) [36:41]
Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847)
Violin Concerto in E
minor, Op. 64 (1844) [29:06]
Fumiaki Miura (violin)
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin/Hannu Lintu
rec. 11-13 June 2015, Teldex Studio, Berlin
AVEX CLASSICS AVCL-25878 [65:49]
Avex Classics label of Japan has released this album showcasing
Fumiaki Miura a talented Japanese soloist beginning to make an impression
on the international stage. One of the most accomplished performers of his
generation Miura became the youngest ever winner of the Joseph Joachim Hannover
International Violin Competition in 2009 taking both the Music Critics’
and Audience Prize.
Tchaikovsky composed his Violin Concerto in D major in a rapid burst of activity
in 1879. It was originally intended for Leopold Auer but he turned it down;
initially considering the work unplayable. Tchaikovsky re-dedicated the score
to Adolph Brodsky who gave the première under Hans Richter in 1881 in Vienna.
The calmly authoritative Miura in the opening Allegro moderato provides
summery, uplifting playing with a distinct romantic accent. There is a weeping
tenderness to the Andante that feels deeply affecting and the spirited
Finale is cleanly articulated with pin-point intonation.
During the composition of his E minor Violin Concerto Mendelssohn worked closely
with the eminent German violinist Ferdinand David. Right up to the time of
the première in Leipzig in 1845 Mendelssohn continued to make various modifications.
Miura is impressive throughout striking a convincing balance between lyricism
and buoyancy. In the opening movement there is a rare sweetness to the soloist’s
assured playing and the Andante expresses a captivating tenderness.
Effervescent yet calmly controlled, the Finale with its buoyant themes is
compellingly played by Miura who finds no shortage of ebullience in the writing.
The orchestra is eminently sensitive to the soloist’s needs throughout
yet the playing is vibrant. There are no problems whatsoever with the sound
quality which is crystal clear and most satisfyingly balanced. It is worth
pointing out that this Avex Classics release is designed especially for the
Japanese market and whilst all the basic information is provided in the accompanying
booklet there is no English essay.
Miura’s convincing performances reminded me at times of the steadfastly
passionate and intense classic accounts from Kyung-Wha Chung with the Orchestre
Symphonique de Montréal under Charles Dutoit, released in 1982 on Decca. Not
surprisingly Miura’s playing doesn’t yet have the same depth of
character as that found by Chung nor does it supply the comparable gripping
dimension that made me want to return to these concertos repeatedly.
Both these masterworks of the repertoire are given engaging performances that
are certainly worthy of attention.
Michael Cookson
Previous review:
Stephen Greenbank (Recording of the Month)
Support us financially
by purchasing this from |
 |