Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No.1; Glazunov: Violin Concerto

Sensational violinist Nicola Benedetti returns with a riveting recording of Shostakovichs monumental Violin Concerto (No. 1). This new recording follows Benedettis chart-topping success with Bruchs Scottish Fantasy (Homecoming, 2014) and Korngolds Violin Concerto (Silver Violin, 2012).

Benedettis own encounter with Russian music-making began in her childhood, the seriousness and intensity making a powerful impact on the young violinist: I was thrust into a different world says Nicola, a little terrifying, extremely demanding but so loving, so warm.

Together with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and conductor Kirill Karabits, the dark, introspective Shostakovich Violin Concerto is brought to life in a compelling performance packed full of energy, powerful torment, and breath-taking passion. The demonic scherzo notches up intensity; the passionate third movement possibly one of the finest in the canon of violin concertos has a grand magnificence; and the astonishing Burlesque rounds off this visceral recording.

A work with a tormented history itself the hostile political environment of Russian state censorship at the time of composition in the 1940s meant that Shostakovich kept the concerto unpublished until after Stalins death it was first performed in 1955 by David Oistrakh, and immediately highly regarded internationally.

Programmed alongside Shostakovichs assertive, uncompromising masterpiece, is Glazunovs bold, colorful Violin Concerto. A late-Romantic work, the Glazunov is notable for its lyricism; Benedettis generous, radiant performance is uplifting and finely crafted.