Violinist Thomas Christian turns in two outstanding performances of two neglected violin concertos from the 19th century. Benjamin Godard (1849-95) and Moritz Moszkowski (1854-1924), though dyed-in-the-wool Romantics, aren’t exactly names the aficionado (let alone the public) would recognize today. During the late 19th century both men wrote what was then called “salon” music in order to pay the bills. These works, along with much of the rest of the two composers’ output, were subsequently dismissed. But don’t tell that to violinist Thomas Christian. He’s no slouch and this music isn’t a walk in the park. In fact, Christian takes to both pieces as if they might have been written expressly for him.
Godard’s Violin Concerto No. 2, written in the early 1890s, has several difficult passages in the outer movements, with some delicious inner passages that call more for heart than dexterity, which this violinist amply provides. Like the Godard concerto, Moszkowski’s Violin Concerto in C is mostly a French-inspired work, but there are nuances that are reminiscent of Dvorák. Although the Moszkowski is more light-hearted than the Godard, make no mistake–neither of these concertos is lightweight, either musically or technically. A minor caveat on this recording is that the sound, particularly regarding the orchestra, would have benefited from more detail and depth. Nevertheless, anyone who enjoys romantic violin concertos will appreciate these pieces–and surely will look forward to hearing more from this fine soloist.
