Sarah Chang ~ Strauss - Violin Concerto, Sonata in E flat / Sawallisch
These early works of Strauss are both in the romantic tradition, with none of the composer's later innovations. The Violin Concerto is immature, fit for listening only in your less demanding moods when you don't insist on much content or interesting structure. The Sonata, written when Strauss was 23, is much more successful and deserves to be a mainstay of the violin literature. Chang and Sawallisch don't do anything with the Concerto to disturb its equilibrium, so you can enjoy it for what little it has to offer. They have a highly unusual approach to the Sonata, very mellow and unaggressive. Some listeners may love this style, but others will want more outgoing quality in the music; they will enjoySteinhardt/Mayorgamuch more. Still, it's fascinating to hear such a successful collaboration as this one between performers almost half a century apart in age!--Leslie Gerber