Brahms and Bruch: violin concertos

Raphael Oleg (violin), Libor Pesek (cond) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Denon

Here are two of the 19th century's most fervent proponents of Romantic Classicism - Brahms and Bruch - with two of their best-known works for violin. It is not just their preference for traditional musical structure or their German heritage that links them though. Both composers also owe much to Joseph Joachim, the violin virtuoso for whom Brahms composed and dedicated his Violin Concerto in D Major, and by whom it is claimed that Bruch's Violin Concerto No 1 in G Minor was considerably revised to resemble its present, much-loved form. Raphael Oleg tackles both of these notoriously challenging pieces with his customary cool. His handling of the complex scale passages and rhythmic variation of Brahms' work is faultless.This is an evocative recording of two of the era's most important works for violin.