BARTOK: Violin Concertos [CD de audio] Zehetmair, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Bartok and Ivan Fischer

The composition of the two violin concertos by Hungarian composer, pianist and ethnomusicologist Béla Bartók is separated by thirty years and provides a snapshot of his creative process at very different points in his life. The first concert (19078) had a rare emotional relevance: it was dedicated to the violinist Stefi Geyer, the object of Bartók's affections, and presented different aspects of his personality. This two-movement work is reminiscent of the works of Strauss and Liszt. The lamenting theme of the first movement represents Bartók's unrequited love for Stefi, the theme of which is repeated with tonal variations. This is followed by a lively second movement, with brilliant sections of arpeggios and scales, as well as whimsical leaps. The second concerto (1937) is from a time in the composer's life when folk music had become a firm feature of his works, and explores more adventurous harmonies than the first. One of the great classical and romantic works, the neoclassical concerto also contains elements of baroque and Renaissance music, giving it a historical dimension. Highlights are the beautiful canon of the second movement's theme and the reappearance in the third movement of the first movement's theme, this time in a joyous triple-time dance. Acclaimed violinist Thomas Zehetmair has enjoyed a remarkable career, performing and recording around the world. He has also become equally sought-after as a conductor and is currently Music Director of the Northern Symphony (UK).