Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Joseph Swensen - Brahms: Violin Concerto & Hungarian Dances (2004) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77: I. Allegro non troppo
02. Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77: II. Adagio
03. Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77: III. Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace
04. Hungarian Dances, WoO1: I. No. 1 in G Minor (Arr. for Orchestra by Brahms)
05. Hungarian Dances, WoO1: II. No. 8 in A Minor (Arr. for Orchestra by Gál)
06. Hungarian Dances, WoO1: III. No. 19 in B Minor (Arr. for Orchestra by Dvořák)
07. Hungarian Dances, WoO1: IV. No. 2 in D Minor (Arr. for Orchestra by Hallén)
08. Hungarian Dances, WoO1: V. No. 18 in D Major (Arr. for Orchestra by Dvořák)
09. Hungarian Dances, WoO1: VI. No. 9 in E Minor (Arr. for Orchestra by Gál)
10. Hungarian Dances, WoO1: VII. No. 21 in E Minor (Arr. for Orchestra by Dvořák)
11. Hungarian Dances, WoO1: VIII. No. 20 in E Minor (Arr. for Orchestra by Dvořák)
12. Hungarian Dances, WoO1: IX. No. 3 in F Major (Arr. for Orchestra by Brahms)
13. Hungarian Dances, WoO1: X. No. 6 in D Major (Arr. for Orchestra by Schmeling)
14. Hungarian Dances, WoO1: XI. No. 7 in A Major (Arr. for Orchestra by Schmeling)
15. Hungarian Dances, WoO1: XII. No. 10 in F Major (Arr. for Orchestra by Brahms)
16. Hungarian Dances, WoO1: XIII. No. 17 in F Sharp Minor (Arr. for Orchestra by Dvořák)
17. Hungarian Dances, WoO1: XIV. No. 5 in G Minor (Orch. Schmeling)

Another triumphant success for director Joseph Swensen and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

The beguiling lyrical melodies of the Violin Concerto belie its formidable technical demands; Swensen proves the master of Brahms' frequent use of multiple stopping, broken chords, rapid scale passages and shifting rhythms. Playing a 1715 Stradivarius Swensen showcases honeyed tone colours with effortless bravura executing Joachim's dazzling Cadenza with aplomb.

Swensen's authoritative command produces well-characterised and energetic performances in the selection of Hungarian Dances orchestrated by Dvorak, Schmeling and Brahms himself, among others. Guided by Swensen the SCO give dynamic, technically assured and intimate readings overflowing with the subtle touches and flourishes.

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