What a lovely bit of buried treasure this disc turns out to be! It’s always nice to hear André Gertler, a fine violinist with a distinguished discography, and the uniqueness of the repertoire makes this first-time-on-CD reissue doubly welcome. Malipiero’s concerto is a Stravinskian, neo-classical essay whose propulsive rhythms and sometimes spiky harmonies always seem ready to blossom into lyricism. The finale, with its quiet ending, is particularly poetic. Casella’s concerto is a bigger work, more obviously indebted to the Romantic virtuoso tradition, with a higher level of obvious passion and color. Why it’s so neglected, like virtually everything by this excellent composer, is a mystery, but at least we have this excellent performance to keep the flame alive until the rest of the world catches on. Gertler’s estimable musicianship receives reliable and sympathetic support from Smetácek and the orchestra, and Supraphon’s sonics fall gratefully on the ear. A very pleasant surprise.
