Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto by Alexandra Conunova
'There are four great German violin concertos,' believed the great violinist Joseph Joachim, who premiered Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto . 'The greatest and most unyielding is by Beethoven. That of Brahms rivals it in its seriousness. The most seductive and richest was written by Bruch. But the most internalized, the jewel of the heart, remains Mendelssohn's concerto.' The tender warmth, inner depth, and clear, unemphasized virtuosity make this violin concerto immensely beloved. Alexandra Conunova, the star violinist from Moldova widely praised for her virtuosity, warm tone, and broad palette of colors, performs Mendelssohn's masterpiece with tremendous conviction.
Beethoven 8
Beethoven's Eighth is sometimes overlooked a little, after his Seventh Symphony —a crowd favorite with all its agile drama and that unreally beautiful second movement—and before his monumental Ninth , with the famous 'Ode to Joy'. That is a pity, for the Eighth bursts with energy and fresh ideas, with which Beethoven seems to pay homage to the classical ideals of Mozart and Haydn. Cheerful, humorous, and rhythmically lively: this Eighth is like a refreshing lemonade between two heavier dishes.