VIOLIN CONCERTOS

Christian Tetzlaff (violin) & Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, Paavo Järvi

This CD features German star violinist Christian Tetzlaff with virtuoso Romantic concertos by Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann. The Mendelssohn Concerto is one of the most frequently performed violin concertos of all time, with an unfailing popularity among audiences. Also included is Schumann’s more seldom recorded Fantasy for Violin and orchestra, which he completed shortly before writing the Concerto.

One of Schumann’s last significant compositions, the long-lost Violin Concerto saw its première performance only in 1937, and was hailed by Yehudi Menuhin as the “historically missing link of the violin literature.”

Christian Tetzlaff is accompanied on this recording by the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra – whose Artist-in-Residence he became in 2008/09 – and their acclaimed music director Paavo Järvi.

This is the first CD in a series of releases featuring Christian Tetzlaff on the Ondine label.International Record ReviewJanuary 2012
Tetzlaff and Jarvi are as one, the 'give and take' being almost as chamber music, writ large. It is also a wholly Romantic performance [of the Mendelssohn], a yielding choice of tempos that permit flexibility without losing sight of the underlying forward momentum...This uncommonly interesting CD is well worth the attention of the genuine lover of echt-Romantic repertoire. 
 
Since its foundation in 1985, record label Ondine has remained true to its guiding principle: an uncompromising devotion to excellence in recorded music. Over the past three decades Ondine has become a prestigious international label, and in collaborations with many well-known artists and orchestras the label has been honoured with several major music awards. One of Ondine’s key missions has been to introduce new audiences to Finnish composers and artists, and some of the country’s finest classical innovators can be found by browsing the pages of Ondine’s continuously expanding catalogue. Through this catalogue we invite you to join us in exploring this fantastic repertoire!

Mendelssohn:
 Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64

Schumann:
 Violin Concerto in D minor, WoO 23
 Fantasie in C major for Violin and Orchestra, Op.131

"Tetzlaff and Jarvi are as one, the 'give and take' being almost as chamber music, writ large. It is also a wholly Romantic performance [of the Mendelssohn], a yielding choice of tempos that permit flexibility without losing sight of the underlying forward momentum...This uncommonly interesting CD is well worth the attention of the genuine lover of echt-Romantic repertoire"
International Record Review - January 2012

"Tetzlaff uses quite a bit of rubato in the opening [of the Mendelssohn], giving a few moments of doubtful ensemble...But he shapes dynamics and phrases sensitively, and the slow movement is less febrile and more poised...Tetzlaff treats [the Fantasy] with affection and virtuosity in turn. In the [Schumann] concerto, Jarvi's powerful delivery of the dramatic introduction grabs the attention, as does Tetzlaff's first entry."
BBC Music Magazine - February 2012

"If I describe the Mendelssohn performance as meticulous, this is not to suggest a lack of spontaneity or awareness of the broader picture but rather a situation in which a determination to follow the composer's instructions has led to an account of unusual depth and subtlety...Tetzlaff takes us right to the intimate heart of the [Schumann] slow movement."
Gramophone Magazine - February 2012