Bruch: Violin Concertos Nos. 2 and 3 (2009)

Violinist Maxim Fedotov's performances of Bruch's second and third violin concertos are decidedly Russian in temperament, conception, and execution. Fedotov has an intense tone with a wide vibrato and an aggressive technique, and he makes the most of Bruch's big tunes and bravura cadenzas. Conductor Dmitry Yablonsky leads the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra in lush, deeply textured accompaniments that support and encourage Fedotov's dramatic interpretations. Some fans of the composer might protest that these performances are ... Read More

Violinist Maxim Fedotov's performances of Bruch's second and third violin concertos are decidedly Russian in temperament, conception, and execution. Fedotov has an intense tone with a wide vibrato and an aggressive technique, and he makes the most of Bruch's big tunes and bravura cadenzas. Conductor Dmitry Yablonsky leads the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra in lush, deeply textured accompaniments that support and encourage Fedotov's dramatic interpretations. Some fans of the composer might protest that these performances are more histrionic than appropriate, that Fedotov pushes the cadenzas too hard and juices up the big themes too much, but others could argue that Fedotov's intense interpretations are firmly rooted in the music. Most importantly, taken purely on their own terms, these are wholly convincing performances. Naxos' digital sound is clear and colorful. ~ James Leonard, Rovi Read Less