Album

Despite the relatively short time since the dawn of her international career, which began in 2004, violinist Arabella Steinbacher is already leaving a significant mark on the concert stages and recording studios of the world as of this 2009 recording. She is rapidly proving herself to be an extremely mature, well-developed artist capable of handling the most musically sophisticated compositions in her repertoire. Such is certainly the case with the present performance of Karol Szymanowski's intense, gripping First Concerto. Few violinists tackle this marvelous concerto, but Steinbacher approaches it with every bit as much reverence as is typically given to concertos of Shostakovich or Bartok. What's more, her clear understanding of and unity with the score captures the attention of listeners from the first bar to the last. Her phenomenal technique allows her to focus on maintaining lines, coloring each note, and making sense of Szymanowski's melodic language. The PentaTone album continues with an equally engaging performance of the Dvorák Violin Concerto. Although this concerto is performed with great frequency, Steinbacher's interpretation is energetic and driven, robust without being overly sentimental, and powerful without being forced. Marek Janowski leads the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin in masterful, restrained accompaniments and rich, enthusiastic tuttis. PentaTone's sound, particularly for those listening in 5.1-channel surround sound, is warm, present, and clear.

© Mike D. Brownell, All Music Guide

CD 1
Karol Szymanowski Composer Violin Concerto No.1, Op.35, M37 Work 26:04 C. Courtly Music Consort Chorus/Choir (Children), Marek Janowski Conductor, Arabella Steinbacher Violin
1	1.Vivace assai; 2.Tempo comodo. Andantino	12:32			$1.99
2	3.Vivace scherzando	8:35			$1.49
3	4.Poco meno. Allegretto	1:55			$0.99
4	5.Vivace (Tempo 1)	3:02			$0.99
Antonín (Leopold) Dvořák Composer Romance in F-, for violin and orchestra (arr. from Andante of String Quartet No.5), B.39, Op.11 Work C. Courtly Music Consort Chorus/Choir (Children), Marek Janowski Conductor, Arabella Steinbacher Violin
5	Romance in F-, for violin and orchestra (arr. from Andante of String Quartet No.5), B.39, Op.11	11:46			$1.99
Antonín (Leopold) Dvořák Composer Violin Concerto in A-, Op.53 Work 33:35 C. Courtly Music Consort Chorus/Choir (Children), Marek Janowski Conductor, Arabella Steinbacher Violin
6	1.Allegro ma non troppo	11:51			$1.99
7	2.Adagio ma non troppo	10:29			$1.99
8	3.Finale: Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo	11:15			$1.99