Discover the captivating world of Israeli violin concertos with Michael Guttman's "Ben-Haim, Sheriff & Zehavi: Israeli Violin Concertos." This exquisite album, released on January 1, 1998, under the Decca (UMO) label, showcases the virtuosity of violinist Michael Guttman and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Spanning a total of 1 hour and 4 minutes, the album features three distinct violin concertos by Paul Ben-Haim, Noam Sheriff, and Oded Zehavi.
The album begins with Paul Ben-Haim's Violin Concerto, a three-movement piece that opens with a lively "Allegro," followed by a tender "Andante affettuoso," and concludes with a spirited "Vivo." Next, Noam Sheriff's Violin Concerto offers a more introspective journey, starting with a slow and solemn "Lento assai," moving into a graceful "Allegro non troppo," and culminating in a serene "Lento." The album concludes with Oded Zehavi's Violin Concerto, a three-part composition that begins with an "Andante ma non tanto," transitions into a gentle "Andante," and ends with a lively "Allegro ma non troppo."
Michael Guttman's masterful performances bring these compositions to life, highlighting the unique voices of each composer and offering a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to delight and inspire.