“Here's a disc to demonstrate what an outstanding lyricist Jenö Hubay was, particularly in the first of the concertos, the Concerto dramatique, in which one good tune follows another, each of them a candidate for the sort of virtuoso figuration designed to show off the brilliance of the soloist.
Hubay himself was a formidable violinist who, to celebrate his 50th birthday in 1908, played this concerto in a concert when his other three violin concertos were played by his pupils Josef Szigeti, Franz von Vecsey and Stefi Geyer, dedicatee of Bartók's early Violin Concerto No 1.
Hubay composed that first concerto in 1884- 85 for his former teacher, Joseph Joachim, and much of the writing tends to bring to mind Howells Vocal 597 Bruch's concertos, which is no disadvantage. No 2 dates from around 1900 and though the first movement is less distinguished, with a rather rigid main theme like a patriotic song, it too is a tuneful piece. The second and third movements are even more attractive, a charming interlude leading to a sparkling Hungarian dance finale.
The Suite, Op 5 (1877-88), another concertante work for violin, starts rather unpromisingly with a gavotte which, with its square main theme and hammered double-stopping, sounds more like a march. The other three movements are freerrunning in their lyricism: genre pieces, an 'Idylle' marked Andantino, an Intermezzo and a dazzling finale full of virtuoso writing, which misleadingly opens with a brief reminiscence of the opening movement.
Hagai Shaham plays not just with brilliance but with great imagination, avoiding any idea that this is just superficial display music. As in so many of Hyperion's concerto recordings, Martyn Brabbins and the BBC Scottish SO demonstrate what sympathetic accompanists they are, consistently giving an impression of live musicmaking.
The full and vivid recording made in Caird Hall, Dundee, equally lives up to the high standard expected in Hyperion's enterprising concerto series.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010
“With Shaham, Hubay’s legacy is in very safe hands indeed. He delivers these works with a solid technique and commanding authenticity. The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Martyn Brabbins provide rather more than just support, aided by a reasonably natural recorded balance which lets
Hubay’s colouristic touches have full effect” International Record Review
“You wonder why all three works are not in the repertoire of every violinist. But then not every violinist sounds like Shaham. He really is something very special indeed … one of my discs of the year” Classic FM Magazine
“…this sixth instalment in the 'Romantic Violin Concerto' series is one of its very finest. Hubay's First Concerto, in particular, combines the sweetness of Saint-Saëns and emotional poignancy of Bruch and Wieniawski, with a large dollop of Chausson-esque Wagnerisms thrown in for good measure. Hagai Shaham does wonders for these neglected scores, playing with beguiling purity throughout the range, and a heart-felt intensity that makes the most of Hubay's penchant for soaring E-string melody. Typically alert and sensitive backing from the BBC Scottish SO under the direction of Martyn Brabbins and luxury sound…” BBC Music Magazine, March 2006 *****
“Once again the composer demonstrates what an outstanding lyricist he was, particularly in the first of the concertos, the Concerto dramatique, in which one good tune follows another, each of them a candidate for the sort of virtuoso figuration designed to show off the brilliance of the soloist. ...Hagai Shaham plays not just with brilliance but with great imagination, avoiding any idea that this is just superficial display music. ...Martyn Brabbins and the BBC Scottish SO demonstrate what sympathetic accompanists they are, consistently giving an impression of live music-making.” Gramophone Magazine, April 2006
