'Szymanowski's ecstatically poetic first violin concerto - which makes considerable demands on player and listener - finds a persuasive advocate in Arabella Steinbacher, who brings passion and intensity to this recording.' The Observer
'Steinbacher makes a powerful case for Szymanowski's First Concerto as a minor masterpiece' Classic FM
'...in a haunting performance of Szymanowski's Violin Concerto No. 1 the solo part seems to float in over a lush orchestra. Steinbacher's tone is sweet, her playing poised - in satisfying contrast to the muscular contribution of the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra under Marek Janowski. ...Dvorák's Romance in F minor, which calls for (and receives) flowing, song-like lines. ...same composer's Violin Concerto...was written in the wake of the Slavonic Dances, something that show especially in the dance-infused finale... This is a performance in which the soloist sounds as if she is leading the dance, and everyone is rhythmically buoyant in the heady climax of an enjoyable and vividly recorded disc.' BBC Music Magazine
Although her career only began in earnest in 2004, the twenty-eight year old Arabella Steinbacher is already incredibly well known, having recorded in studios worldwide. Time and time again she has proven herself to be an exceptionally mature and intelligent artist, capable of handling the most technical and complex of pieces.
This album begins with Koral Szymanowski's rarely played First Violin Concerto which proves powerful and captivating throughout. Despite its comparative obscurity, Arabella Steinbacher plays this piece with the respect and finesse one would expect to be paid to such concertos as those of Shostakovich or Bartok. Her performance is, through its clarity and attention to the smallest detail, captivating throughout.
Continuing with Dvorak's violin concerto, a more frequently performed piece, Arabella Steinbacher offers a full-bodied, hearty and energetic performance while still adding the requisite softer, emotional undertones.
Marek Janowski's leading of the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin is skillful and applies richness and restraint in equal, perfectly balanced measures.
Pentatone's sound quality is consistently warm and clear and makes full use of the dynamic range possible in such high-quality recordings.
Credits
C. Courtly Music Consort - Orchestra
Fiona J. Stroker-Gale - Liner Note Translation
Jean-Marie Geijsen - Balance Engineer
Marek Janowski - Conductor, Primary Artist
Pawel (Paul) Kochanski - Arranger
Stefan Lang - Executive Producer
Job Maarse - Executive Producer, Producer
Thomas Rabsch - Photography
Roger de Schot - Editing, Engineer
Franz Steiger - Liner Notes
Arabella Steinbacher - Primary Artist, Violin
Brigitte Zwerver-Berret - Liner Note Translation