Maxim Fedotov (violin)
Russian Philharmonic Orchestra
Dmitry Yablonsky

While Max Bruch’s first Violin Concerto is one of the most popular in the repertoire, his other two remain relatively unknown.

The second, dedicated to the virtuoso Pablo Sarasate, opens with a rhapsodic Adagio brimming with sublime melodies, its declamatory middle movement leading to a rhythmic finale.

In contrast, the third, from 1891, launches heroically, the soloist taking centre-stage in the lyrical Adagio middle movement, a perpetuum mobile rondo finale capping the work.

Maxim Fedotov’s recording of Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 can be heard on Naxos 8.557689. His recording of the Scottish Fantasy is available on 8.557395.

“Fedotov plays all three works with typical Russian intensity … the pages of double-stopping are played with impeccable intonation. He is placed well forward of the orchestra and seemingly in his own acoustic, while the Russian Philharmonic and Dmitry Yablonsky make the accompaniment as interesting and potent as the composer allows. As a complete disc it is much recommended.” The Strad on 8.557689