The Romantic Violin Concerto Vol. 6- Hubay: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Suite for violin and orchestra, Op. 5
Jenó Hubay was a virtuoso violinist, composer, and teacher whose works epitomize late Romantic music's melodic charms. That's certainly true of these pieces, which teem with hummable melodies and telling instrumental gestures. The First Concerto lives up to its subtitle of "Concerto dramatique," starting with a bold orchestral declaration that leads into a meltingly beautiful solo cadenza. The slow movement is a pastorale whose opening, with harp and flute, hints of impressionism, and the final Allegro con brio has all the fireworks you expect from a Romantic showpiece.  The early Suite is in four melodically attractive movements; the third, an Intermezzo, is unforgettable in substance and performance. The Second Concerto is most notable for its Larghetto movement, a lyric poem of exceptional beauty, here spun with idiomatic phrasing and splendid legato by Hagai Shaham, whose dazzling playing throughout the disc makes him an outstanding advocate for a composer who deserves our attention. Shaham's partners are in fine form as well, Brabbins' stylish conducting and the orchestra adding to the disc's attractions.-- Dan Davis