VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 2 / SONATA FOR SOLO VIOLIN

Laurent Korcia (violin), Michel Portal (clarinet),  Jean-Efflam Bavouzet (piano) & City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sakari Oramo

Bartok:
 Violin Concerto No. 2, Sz 112
 Contrasts for violin, clarinet & piano, BB 116, Sz. 111
 Sonata for Solo Violin, BB 124, Sz. 117
 Violin Sonata No. 1, BB 84, Sz. 75

"With Sakari Oramo and the CBSO providing urgent and incisive accompaniment, Korcia mesmerises the listener with a dramatic account that offers little relief. The almost improvisatory conception of Contrasts is extremely persuasive, with Michel Portal's clarinet vibrato emulating the jazzy tone of the work's original performer Benny Goodman. The two sonatas are also delivered with powerful intensity..."
BBC Music Magazine - April 2006 *****

"Laurent Korcia plays Bartók's Second Violin Concerto as if he's known it and loved it since birth. Everything sounds so natural. …the sweep and spontaneity are infectious, Korcia's sound invariably full and gutsy, the whole production focused in an excellent, well balanced recording. The Contrasts are... also excellently played... Michel Portal has a creamy, mellifluous tone that reminds me of the original soloist, Benny Goodman... Jean-Effiam Bavouzet is a highly capable pianist..."
Gramophone Magazine - June 2006