Khachaturian: Violin Concerto in D minor (with Shostakovich - Quartets)

Khachaturian: Violin Concerto in D minor (with Shostakovich - Quartets) cover $35.00 Low Stock add to cart

ARAM KHACHATURIAN
Khachaturian: Violin Concerto in D minor (with Shostakovich - Quartets)
James Ehnes (violin) Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Mark Wigglesworth / Ehnes Quartet

[ Onyx / CD ]

Release Date: Saturday 10 May 2014

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Khachaturian's 1940 Violin Concerto was composed for and dedicated to David Oistrakh who gave the premiere in Moscow that year. It is an instantly accessible work, infused with the music of the composer's native Armenia, with colourful use of the orchestra and dazzling virtuosity.

Shostakovich's 15 String Quartets form the most important body of music in the quartet repertoire after those of Beethoven. The 8th is one of the most impressive in the canon, and dates from 1960. The dedication on the score reads 'In remembrance of the victims of fascism and war'. It was premiered in Dresden, still badly scarred by the bombing of 1945. The 7th Quartet also dates from 1960, and is dedicated to the composer's wife Nina, who had died in 1954. It is a compact, terse, highly emotional personal musical statement.

"Ehnes' urgent and energetic finale [of the Khachaturian] is full of gypsy spirit and freshness without feeling too sweet-toothed...This rather unusual mix of concerto and chamber music only serves to increase the desirability of this release." (MusicWeb, June 2014)

"Ehnes, here beadily accompanied by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra ...communicates eloquently the energy and rhythmic adventure of the outer movements [of the Khachaturian], while enjoying the almost mystical mood of the central Andante." (The Observer, June 2014)

"Wigglesworth's Melbourne orchestra underlines Ehnes's enthusiasm for the work with infectious elan. The coupling with two of Shostakovich's greatest quartets is unexpected, but this is highly personal music, infused with folk idioms, yet darker and angrier. Ehnes et al perfectly capture its gloom and rage." (Sunday Times)

Tracks:

Khachaturian:
Violin Concerto in D minor
James Ehnes (violin) / Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Mark Wigglesworth

Shostakovich:
String Quartet No. 7 in F sharp minor, Op. 108
String Quartet No. 8 in C minor, Op. 110
Ehnes Quartet