Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos.4 & 5 – Nikolaj Znaider

   in Classical Music (Apr, 2018)
Here are two performances that were originally due to be conducted by the late Sir Colin Davis; in the event, Nikolaj Znaider directed from the violin, his lovely interpretations distinguished by the rapport between soloist and orchestra. There is a compelling freshness to the outer movements, and both first movements include splendid cadenzas. A chamber music aura permeates the whole, along with a palpable joy to the music-making.

Some will find the middle movement (Andante cantabile) of the Fourth too slow, yet despite this Znaider fails to plumb the music’s depths. The Adagio of the Fifth exudes stasis and calm. Znaider’s sound is throughout tensile but not harsh. Although captured live, …