Ida Haendel, a renowned violinist with a career spanning over seven decades, presents a captivating album featuring two iconic violin concertos. Released on October 1, 2008, under the SWRmusic label, this album showcases Haendel's extraordinary virtuosity and musical insight.
The album opens with Johannes Brahms' Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77, a work known for its lyrical depth and technical demands. Haendel's interpretation is marked by a delicate balance of passion and precision, bringing out the concerto's rich emotional landscape. The second movement, Adagio, is particularly noteworthy for its serene beauty and Haendel's exquisite phrasing.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64. This concerto, one of the most popular in the violin repertoire, is characterized by its melodic inventiveness and structural sophistication. Haendel's performance is both spirited and nuanced, highlighting the concerto's playful and dramatic elements.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of two cornerstone works in the violin concerto repertoire. Haendel's masterful playing, combined with the high-quality recording, makes this album a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.