‘Brahms: Violin Concerto & Hungarian Dances’ is another triumphant success for director Joseph Swensen and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
Originally released in 2004, ‘Brahms: Violin Concerto & Hungarian Dances’ has been re-issued as part of Linn’s ECHO series which offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label’s award-winning catalogue.
The beguiling lyrical melodies of the Violin Concerto belie its formidable technical demands; Swensen proves the master of Brahms’ frequent use of multiple stopping, broken chords, rapid scale passages and shifting rhythms.
Playing a 1715 Stradivarius Swensen showcases honeyed tone colours with effortless bravura executing Joachim’s dazzling cadenza with aplomb.
Swensen's authoritative command produces well-characterised and energetic performances in the selection of Hungarian Dances orchestrated by Dvorak, Schmeling and Brahms himself, among others.
Guided by Swensen the SCO give dynamic, technically assured and intimate readings overflowing with the subtle touches and flourishes.
Joseph Swensen was principal conductor of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra from 1996-2005 at which point he became the orchestra’s Conductor Emeritus.
Swensen and the SCO have released five recordings together through the Orchestra’s partnership with Linn including music by Sibelius, Dvorak, Mendelssohn and Prokofiev.
2014 is the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s fortieth anniversary year; the orchestra has a large UK-based fan base following performances throughout Scotland and regular appearances at the Edinburgh, St Magnus and Aldeburgh Festivals, the BBC Proms and on BBC Radio 3.
