Reynaldo Hahn’s Violin Concerto and Suite Hongroise enter the catalogue for the first time on this Maguelone CD. Denis Clavier, concertmaster of the Lorraine Philharmonie, plays Hahn’s violin concerto with considerable agility in a live performance that’s the highlight of this collection. The concluding toccata shows Clavier fully up to the technical challenges of a work that from the violinist’s point of view is often inconsiderately written. He produces a generous, agreeably modulated tone and adds plenty of imaginative, spontaneous touches to his interpretation.
Hahn’s Piano Concerto has previously joined Massenet’s equally rare offering on Volume 15 of Hyperion’s series “The Romantic Piano Concerto”, and on that disc Stephen Coombs’ version is adroitly played and interpretively fresh and fluent. Angéline Pondepeyre’s new reading is stiff and mannered by comparison, particularly during the strongly improvisatory opening movement. Coombs’ greater finesse and imagination, especially in the witty finale, are in a higher league, and orchestral playing from the BBC Scottish Symphony under Jean-Yves Ossonce provides excellent support.
Returning to Maguelone’s new release, Hahn’s Suite Hongroise for violin, piano, percussion, and strings makes a pleasing discovery. It receives a decent if never totally secure performance here. There’s some occasionally headstrong and fevered playing from both soloists, most noticeable during the final movement (“Chants et danses”), but nevertheless this rates as an entertaining and attractive account of a piece that repays repeated listening. The recording is finely balanced and detailed, despite some edginess in the piano sound. [2/8/2002]
