What an incredible treat! After dazzling and pampering all piano concerto
lovers with their inestimable and inexhaustive treasure trove of romantic
piano concertos, that ever enterprising Hyperion label turns to the violin
concerto with aplomb. Treats are promised for all but this first issue of
the major contributions to the genre by Camille Saient-Saens will provide
ample rewards for the present. The ever enterprising Martyn Brabbins combines
with Philippe Graffin for some memorable performances that match Ulf Hoeschler's
previous complete minded excursions on EMI in the mid-70's.
Graffin is an accomplished and sensitive artist and this shows, especially
in the short but interesting 1st Concerto. All themes are treated with beautiful
sublimity and attacca, especially in the reprise of the Allegro. It would
be difficult to understand why this 1st concerto lasts about 13 minutes whilst
the other two works are full-blown concertos lasting half an hour each. The
2nd still remains a shamefully neglected work and here it might receive what
is its best ever performance yet. There is passion and romanticism galore
in the expansive first movement and a daredevil cadenza that has Graffin
at the best of his powers. A lilting Andante espressivo is quite disarming
whilst the romp and frolics in the Allegro scherzando are marvelously vivid
throughout.
The same comments could be applied to the Third concerto, a tour-de-force
of imagery and virtuosity throughout. A brisk and breezy Allegro con troppo
is framed by a remarkably poetic Andantino that had me reaching for superlatives
such is the beauty of Graffin's playing. All is complemented by an impressive
Finale with the solemn introduction suitably brilliant and a dashing Allegro
full of incident and power.
Comparing Ulf Hoeschler's striking accounts with the NPO under Dervaux revealed
a certain sense of relief at hearing such alive performances from this Hyperion
disc. The sound is perfectly balanced, a smooth and crystal clear violin
although the orchestra is slightly backwardly balanced. There is however
a host of works in that EMI set which Hyperion should investigate at a later
stage perhaps. Right now I'm waiting for those Bruch Concertos, especially
the Third one. Keep them coming!
Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
See also Rob Barnett's review last month
Philippe
Graffin: violin BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra Martyn Brabbins
