Album

Prized pupil of both Tchaikovsky and Anton Rubinstein, Sergey Taneyev's output has not figured into modern concerto programs as often as it should. It should be noted that Taneyev was born in 1856, not 1889 as listed on the album; managing his vast oeuvre alongside his busy playing career would have been nearly impossible in only 26 years! This Chandos album prominently features a piece that is performed live rarely, if ever: the Suite de Concert for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 28. In it, Taneyev tips his hat to the many influences upon which his work draws. The form alone demonstrates his reverence for the Baroque, as do several of the dance movements taken directly from the Baroque suite, as well as his skilled use of counterpoint. But Taneyev was also a Romantic and occasionally drew from Russian folk idioms. All of these facets are combined in this underperformed jewel of the repertoire. The solo violin part is nothing short of a virtuoso tour de force that pleasingly incorporates moments of tenderness and sentimentality. Soloist Lydia Mordkovitch, alongside the Royal Scottish National Orchestra led by Neeme Järvi, offers a dazzling and pyrotechnic performance of Taneyev's expansive suite. Mordkovitch's playing is generally quite solid technically, although there are surprising moments in some of the slower moments where she seems to struggle to land large shifts. This album also includes Rimsky-Korsakov's Fantasy on Russian Themes. Rimsky-Korsakov, a contemporary of Taneyev, was largely self-taught and produces a much more rustic, folk-like atmosphere in his composition. Mordkovitch does an equally admirable job here of delivering a spirited, pleasantly nuanced performance. Sound quality and balance between soloist and orchestra are excellent throughout.

© Mike D. Brownell, All Music Guide

CD 1
Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov Composer Fantasia on Two Russian Themes in B-, for violin and orchestra, Op.33 Work 17:26 Neeme Järvi Conductor, Lydia Mordkovitch Violin, Royal Scottish National Orchestra Orchestra
1	1.Allegro moderato. Tranquillo	7:30			$1.49
2	2.Lento	3:15			$0.99
3	3.Allegro animato	6:41			$0.99
Sergey Ivanovich Taneyev Composer Suite de concert, for violin and orchestra, Op.28 Work 46:55 Neeme Järvi Conductor, Lydia Mordkovitch Violin, Royal Scottish National Orchestra Orchestra
4	1.Prelude: Grave	7:50			$1.49
5	2.Gavotte: Allegro moderato	5:30			$0.99
6	3.Fairy-tale: Andantino	9:48			$1.49
7	4a.Theme with variations: Theme. Andantino	1:34			$0.99
8	4b.Theme with variations: Variation No.1. Allegro moderato	1:17			$0.99
9	4c.Theme with variations: Variation No.2. Allegro energico	1:41			$0.99
10	4d.Theme with variations: Variation No.3. Tempo di Valse	2:15			$0.99
11	4e.Theme with variations: Variation No.4. Fuga doppia	1:56			$0.99
12	4f.Theme with variations: Variation No.5. Presto scherzando	0:55			$0.99
13	4g.Theme with variations: Variation No.6. Tempo di Mazurka	1:36			$0.99
14	4h.Theme with variations: Variazione finale e coda	4:47			$0.99
15	5.Tarentella: Presto	7:46			$1.49