The perfect storm of classical music has descended upon us with the release of Canary Classics' latest offering: an album that pairs two timeless violin concertos in a bold move that's sure to ignite the passions of music lovers. At its heart lies the majestic Violin Concerto by British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, his idol Antonín Dvořák's 1883 concerto being the perfect foil. The result is an exhilarating clash of titans, with Gil Shaham's virtuosic violin work taking centre stage alongside the Virginia Symphony Orchestra under Eric Jacobsen's masterful direction.
Traditionally, Coleridge-Taylor's masterpiece has been paired with lesser-known English pieces, but this album dares to be different. It's a shrewd move that allows us to re-appraise the composer's work in a new light, one that showcases its unique harmonies and melodic structures evoking the rich traditions of African folk music. The concerto itself premiered in Connecticut in 1912 – an poignant detail given the original musical parts were lost with the Titanic.
Gil Shaham's interpretation of Coleridge-Taylor's concerto is nothing short of phenomenal, his playing characterised by a plush tone and laser-focused intonation that adds depth and richness to the solo line. The accompaniment provided by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Eric Jacobsen, is equally impressive – light, agile and perfectly balanced to let Shaham's virtuosity shine.
Dvořák's 1883 Violin Concerto takes a folk-inspired approach, but one that's distinctly Slavonic in tone. The Czech composer masterfully weaves together the music of his homeland, including a dumka and a furiant within the spirited finale. Shaham's performance is both fluid and imposing, particularly in the lyrical slow movement where he showcases his versatility and deep understanding of the repertoire.
The album gets an added boost with the inclusion of Curtis Stewart's 'The Famous People', a re-composition of one of Dvořák's Slavonic Dances viewed through the lens of traditional American slave dances. It's a sultry, culturally resonant conclusion to the recording that links historical and modern musical traditions in a way that's nothing short of mesmerising.
This album is an opportunity for UK audiences to re-evaluate Coleridge-Taylor's significant contribution to classical music, presenting his work in a fresh and compelling context. And with its fusion of folk influences across cultures and eras brought to life by a leading contemporary violinist, it's an experience not to be missed.