Arensky, Anton/Taneyev, Sergei Ivanovich: The Romantic Violin Concerto 7 (Hyperion Audio CD)

This disc juxtaposes two significant Russian works for violin and orchestra, each written by a composer with a close
relationship to Tchaikovsky, and each dedicated to the great violinist and pedagogue Leopold Auer. These two
concertos are both formidable display pieces, designed to show off Auer’s transcendental technique. Ilya Gringolts,
acclaimed as one of the great violin virtuosos of today and lauded for his debut recording on Hyperion (see below),
dazzles in this repertoire, ably supported by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under Ilan Volkov.
Arensky’s Violin Concerto is a original single-movement work, cast in contrasting sections. It is a model of the
flowering of Russian romantic nationalism: Tchaikovsky’s influence on his friend is pleasingly evident, as is Arensky’s
gift for melody and delightful contrasts of musical character. Taneyev’s much larger Suite de concert is a synthesis of
different styles: it looks back to the Baroque suite with its different dance movements, the Märchen movement
suggesting the high Romanticism of Schumann and the Theme and Variations a homage to Tchaikovsky. Particularly
striking is the finale: an energetic and vivacious Tarantella, almost relentless in its onrushing rhythm. As the finale
proceeds the dance becomes more frenetic, driving to a viscerally exciting conclusion that must have brought the house
down in live performances.