Arabella Steinbacher, the acclaimed German violinist, presents a captivating exploration of 20th-century violin concertos with her album "Britten & Hindemith: Violin Concertos." Released on October 1, 2017, under the Pentatone label, this album showcases Steinbacher's technical prowess and musical depth as she navigates the complex and expressive works of Benjamin Britten and Paul Hindemith.
The album features two violin concertos: Britten's Violin Concerto, Op. 15, and Hindemith's Violin Concerto. The Britten concerto, composed in 1939, is known for its restless energy and demanding passages, while Hindemith's concerto, written in 1938, offers a rich tapestry of musical colors and intricate structures. Steinbacher's performance is accompanied by the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Jurowski, delivering a commanding and nuanced interpretation of these challenging works.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes, the album is a testament to Steinbacher's impressive repertoire, which includes concertos by Barber, Berg, Glazunov, Khachaturian, Milhaud, Prokofiev, and Szymanowski, among others. The album is available in Hi-Res quality on platforms like Qobuz and is also released as a Super Audio CD (SACD) for audiophiles seeking the highest quality sound.
Critics have praised Steinbacher's performance, highlighting her ability to bring out the unique characteristics of each concerto. The album has been described as a commanding performance of technically demanding works, showcasing Steinbacher's impressive range and musical insight. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling journey through the violin concertos of Britten and Hindemith, performed by one of today's most accomplished violinists.