Even without the benefit of a star soloist or conductor, this disc of
Prokofiev's violin concertos, performed by violinist
Lydia Mordkovitch with
Neeme Järvi leading the Scottish National Orchestra, is quite impressive.
Mordkovitch has a polished technique, a hard-edged tone, and an ability to make a long line sing, all qualities needed for
Prokofiev's concertos.
Järvi has the necessary technique and organizational skills, and, most importantly, the appropriate understanding of the composer to support the soloist and make a convincing case for the music. Together they turn in performances that are essentially lyrical, with touches of drama and whimsy, but also with a firm grasp of form and direction. The inclusion of
Mordkovitch's big-boned, hard-muscled take on
Prokofiev's F minor Violin Sonata, with pianist
Gerhard Oppitz, makes this release intrinsically more appealing than recordings of the concertos without fillers. Though recorded in the early days of digital, Chandos' sound is rich, ripe, and detailed.