Christian Tetzlaff, renowned for his expressive and nuanced performances, presents a captivating collection of violin concertos by Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann. Released on November 1, 2011, under the Ondine label, this album offers a rich exploration of Romantic-era chamber music, spanning a total of 69 minutes.
The album opens with Mendelssohn's "Phantasie in C Major, Op. 131," a piece that showcases Tetzlaff's technical prowess and emotional depth. The centerpiece of the album is Mendelssohn's "Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64," performed in three distinct movements: "Allegro molto appassionato," "Andante," and "Allegretto non troppo - Allegro molto vivace." Each movement reveals Tetzlaff's ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from passionate intensity to tender lyricism.
The album also features Schumann's "Violin Concerto in D Minor, WoO 23," another three-movement work that includes "In kraftigem, nicht zu schnellem Tempo," "Langsam," and "Lebhaft doch nicht schnell." Tetzlaff's interpretation of Schumann's concerto is marked by its sensitivity and precision, highlighting the composer's unique harmonic language and inventive melodies.
Throughout the album, Tetzlaff's playing is characterized by its clarity, warmth, and dynamic range. His collaboration with the Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Jeffrey Tate, results in a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply moving. This album is a testament to Tetzlaff's artistry and offers a compelling journey through the violin concertos of Mendelssohn and Schumann.