Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Erich Wolfgang Korngold, an Austrian-born composer and conductor who began his illustrious career as a child prodigy. This album, released on January 1, 2015, under the Brilliant Classics label, presents a unique pairing of Korngold's Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35, and Violin Sonata in D Major, Op. 6. With a total duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, this collection showcases Korngold's distinctive style, blending rich Mahlerian harmonies with Hollywood sentiment, creating a fascinating and eclectic showpiece.
The Violin Concerto, composed in 1937, is a three-movement work that highlights Korngold's lush orchestration and melodic inventiveness. The first movement, "Moderato nobile," sets the stage with its regal and stately theme, while the second movement, "Romanze," offers a lyrical and introspective contrast. The final movement, "Allegro assai vivace," brings the concerto to a thrilling and virtuosic close.
The Violin Sonata, composed in 1912 when Korngold was just 15 years old, is a four-movement work that demonstrates his precocious talent. The first movement, "Ben moderato, ma con passione," is marked by its passionate and expressive melody, while the second movement, "Scherzo. Allegro molto (Con fuoco)," is a lively and energetic dance. The third movement, "Adagio. Mit tiefer Empfindung," offers a moment of quiet reflection, and the final movement, "Finale. Allegretto quasi andante (Con grazia)," brings the sonata to a graceful and elegant conclusion.
This album is a testament to Korngold's enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the world of classical music. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.
Vinylscout