For his latest recording for RCA Red Seal Nikolaj Znaider, one of the most versatile violinists of our time, has combined one of the best loved violin concertos, Brahms’s concerto in D, with the lesser-known Korngold concerto, also in D
Alongside Nikolaj is The Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of one of the greatest conductors of all time, Valery Gergiev.
Brahms: Violin Concerto In D, Op. 77 - 1. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Brahms: Violin Concerto In D, Op. 77 - 2. Adagio
Brahms: Violin Concerto In D, Op. 77 - 3. Allegro Giocoso Ma Non Troppo
Korngold: Violin Concerto In D, Op. 35 - 3. Finale
May 2009
****
“Nikolaj Znaider emerges as a deeply compelling artist, one whose winning combination of tonal opulence and glowing interpretative sincerity makes a stunning impact in the Korngold. …his heart-felt sensitivity to mood and atmosphere, and the genuine warmth he imparts to the Brahms Concerto is nothing less than special.”
21st June 2009
“There's no denying Znaider's technical mastery, the whole thing feels lightweight and insincere”
The Independent on Sunday
14th June 2009
“Soloist Nikolaj Znaider's meticulously judged vibrato glows through the poignant Romance of Korngold's Violin Concerto while Valéry Gergiev works his quivering magic with the Wiener Philharmoniker.”
July 2009
“Znaider is, for me, one of the greatest artists of his generation, and his consummate musicianship and glorious depth and range of tone are everywhere apparent, to particular effect in the Adagio of the Brahms (though I prefer the oboist on Repin's recording), where Znaider's discreet portamenti make the most of the floating lines. The Korngold... should have seemed a mere bonbon after the Brahms, but such is the commitment from Znaider, Gergiev and the orchestra that it's a wonder from start to finish.”
1st July 2009
***
“Znaider’s own playing transmits thoughtfulness, expressive power, concentration and command of the nuances of phrasing, combined with an overarching sense of structure.”
17th July 2009
****
“Korngold has rarely sounded more opulent or more gorgeous. Znaider plays it beautifully, too, with finely spun lines and a meltingly warm tone. Essential listening, if Korngold is your priority.”
2010
“There are readings of the Brahms that take their time, but the plush grandeur of Znaider and the VPO seems almost too opulent. The finale, too, misses an element of dance, of impishness even, so well caught by Julia Fischer (see page ??). Instead, we get a wall of sound both terrifying and awe-inspiring. But tempi apart, there is also much to celebrate here. Znaider is one of the greatest artists of his generation, and his consummate musicianship and glorious depth and range of tone are everywhere apparent, to particular effect in the Adagio of the Brahms, where Znaider's discreet portamenti make the most of the floating lines. So, unquestionably top-notch playing from all concerned, even if the interpretation is less convincing. The Korngold is a different matter. This should have seemed a mere bon-bon after the Brahms, but such is the commitment from Znaider, Gergiev and the orchestra that it's a wonder from start to finish. They relish the composer's extraordinary ear for orchestral colour, especially the shattering climax of the first movement and the work's zany brassfuelled ending. Throughout, there's an ideal marriage of brilliance and warmth. The sound picture places the soloist very firmly centre-stage, but with playing this scintillating that's not a complaint.”
May 2011
“Znaider's virile virtuosity is just one glory of this CD: the Vienna Phil and Valery Gergiev offer fabulous orchestral sonorities too.”
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.
Brahms: Violin Concerto In D, Op. 77 - 1. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
