Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 2 / Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No. 2

Maxim Vengerov's splendiferous Strad pours reedy-rich tones from its lower register and sings the sweetest high notes this side of Jascha Heifetz, without the least hint of an undesirable sound or mistuned note. Vengerov's impeccable technique and mature musicianship consistently place him at the top of today's young generation of violinists. Here he plumbs Prokofiev's emotionally charged concerto and finds its unadorned essence--especially memorable in the sensuous slow movement and the exuberant finale. The Shostakovich benefits from a confident, commanding style that leaves us utterly convinced that this lesser-known concerto is a work of far greater substance than we thought. As conductor, Mstislav Rostropovich's knowing hand is everywhere, helping to bring home the penetrating drama of these works by two of his former teachers. While the sound is not as vibrant and balanced as we would like, its center-stage placement of Vengerov and his violin is a feature we can't help but applaud. --David Vernier