Strauss Richard: Aber Der Richtige, Violin Concerto – Arabella Steinbacher

   in Classical Music (Feb, 2019)
One has to take Richard Strauss’ Violin Concerto on its own merits; it was written when he was 17 and later disowned by him. There is nevertheless significant competition in the catalogue: Sarah Chang, Hoelscher (with Kempe) and Sporcl. Arabella Stenbacher is a stunning violinist and carves her own furrow, her 1716 ‘Booth’ Strad singing beautifully under her stewardship.

The Concerto is overtly Romantic; Steinbacher finds a depth of interpretation, the WDR orchestra a fine partner (if not with the lustre of Hoelscher and Kempe’s Dresdeners). The surprises are when hints of mature Strauss peek through the score, while the song-like central Lento chimes well with the Lieder couplings.

Le Romanze …