Ida Haendel, a renowned violinist with a career spanning over seven decades, delivers a captivating performance in "Ida Haendel plays Khachaturian and Bartok." Released on SWR Classic in 2011, this album showcases Haendel's exceptional skill and musicality through a selection of violin concertos by Aram Khachaturian and Béla Bartók.
The album opens with Khachaturian's Violin Concerto in D Minor, a piece known for its dramatic intensity and technical demands. Haendel navigates the concerto's three movements with aplomb, from the fiery "Allegro con fermezza" to the lyrical "Andante sostenuto" and the spirited "Allegro vivace." Her playing is both virtuosic and expressive, bringing out the concerto's rich emotional depth and rhythmic vitality.
The second half of the album features Bartók's Violin Concerto No. 2, Sz. 112. This concerto, with its blend of folk melodies and modernist harmonies, offers a stark contrast to the Khachaturian. Haendel's interpretation is nuanced and insightful, highlighting the concerto's unique character and complexity. The "Allegro non troppo" opens with a sense of mystery, the "Andante tranquillo" is a hauntingly beautiful interlude, and the "Allegro molto" concludes the concerto with a burst of energy and precision.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, this album is a testament to Haendel's enduring artistry and her ability to breathe new life into these timeless works. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Ida Haendel's performance is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Vinylscout