Arabella Steinbacher - Prokofiev: The 2 Violin Concertos (2012) [SACD & Hi-Res]

Composed in an extraordinarily tumultuous time, Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto is a work with a long and complicated genesis and reception history. In 1915, Prokofiev completed his studies at the St Petersburg Conservatory, where he had gained a reputation as a highly original talent who enjoyed nothing more than giving a jolt to the established musical order. The First Piano Concerto, which he himself had performed with none other than Serge Koussevizky, had already delivered him the prestigious Rubinstein Prize, and it was not long before the European music world was abuzz with his name. In Paris, he met the famed impresario of the Ballets Russes, Sergei Diaghilev, as well as his protegé, one Igor Stravinsky. And although Prokofiev and Stravinsky would never truly become friends, his Sacre left an indelible impression on the young composer.

“admirers of this gifted young artist will need no second bidding to acquire this latest recording of hers, for she plays all three works with love and affection...my main criticism is the absence of any clearly defined musical leadership from either soloist or conductor” (International Record Review)

“Steinbacher shapes the glorious melody in the opening movement [of the First] with great tenderness and affection and throughout the work there is a real sense of her interaction with conductor Vasily Petrenko and the highly responsive Russian National Orchestra. However the overall effect seems a little calculated...Steinbacher and Petrenko seem much more closely attuned to the emotionally ambiguous wolrd of the Second Violin Concerto” (BBC Music Magazine)

“There is fibre to the playing and theatrical highlights” (The Strad)

“Steinbacher sounds determined to rethink these repertoire staples. Eschewing the settled eloquence of a David Oistrakh, she varies her tonal projection to highlight Prokofiev's tendency to step on the throat of his own song. The verdict? Better try before you buy, although audiophiles and surround sound aficionados should not hesitate.” (Gramophone Magazine)