A favorite warhorse of violin virtuosos until the 1950s, Karl Goldmark’s A minor Concerto’s fortune has progressively faded out. This excellent new recording makes a plea for its return to the core repertoire, and rightly so. It’s a splendid work, full of beautiful singing tunes, lyric outbursts, and perilous virtuosity, haunted by a romantic, almost legendary atmosphere of great effect. With its introspection and melancholy, the second movement (Air) incarnates the expressive heart of the piece, though the two others stand right next to it in terms of quality of writing, formal balance, and poetic intensity. Sarah Chang delivers one of her best performances to date: her tone is warm and rich, her technique secure.
Once again, James Conlon gets successfully involved in an interesting revival. He conducts the Prometheus Bound Overture with energy and a real sense of drama, and accompanies Chang with the most flexible ear, stimulating the soloist with abundant colors and lively rhythms. Although sometimes lacking precision, notably in the brass section, the Kölner Philharmoniker plays with obvious pleasure and interest in the music. The slightly distant and dry recording closely captures the music’s generous gestures.
