Benjamin Schmid, a celebrated violinist known for his technical prowess and expressive depth, presents a captivating album featuring works by Wieniawski, Szymanowski, and Lutosławski. Released on January 1, 2007, under the Oehms Classics label, this album offers a rich, hour-long journey through the violin concerto repertoire.
The album opens with Wieniawski's Violin Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 22, a piece that showcases Schmid's virtuosic abilities and emotional range. The concerto's three movements—Allegro moderato, Romance. Andante non troppo, and Allegro con fuoco - Allegro moderato—are performed with precision and passion, highlighting the composer's lyrical and technical demands.
Next, Schmid takes on Szymanowski's Violin Concerto No. 2, Op. 61, a work that blends romanticism with modernism. The concerto's intricate melodies and complex harmonies are rendered with clarity and sensitivity, demonstrating Schmid's ability to navigate the piece's challenging passages.
The album concludes with Lutosławski's Chain II, a groundbreaking work that explores the boundaries of musical form and structure. The piece's four movements—Ad libitum, A battuta, Ad libitum, and A battuta - Ad libitum - A battuta—are performed with a keen sense of timing and dynamics, showcasing Schmid's interpretive skills and technical mastery.
Throughout the album, Schmid's playing is supported by the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Lukas vis. The collaboration results in a cohesive and engaging performance that highlights the strengths of both the soloist and the ensemble. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rewarding listening experience that showcases the talents of one of today's most accomplished violinists.
Vinylscout