Sweet but not saccharine, lyrical but not languorous, and robust but not burly, violinist
Katrin Scholz's 2007 recording coupling the violin concertos by Brahms and Sibelius is charming from start to finish. Her Brahms recalls
Grumiaux in its elegance, but with more tenderness, while her Sibelius has the strength of
Oistrakh but without his brawny attack. Some listeners might wish for more passion in
Scholz's playing and more maturity in her interpretations, but her masterful technique leaves nothing to be desired and maturity will hopefully come with time.
Special attention must be paid here to the orchestral performances.
Michael Sanderling, the scion of the
Sanderling family of conductors that includes
Kurt and
Thomas, provides accompaniments that are more than merely props for
Scholz. In both works, he supports and challenges her, plus he makes the orchestra's parts themselves nearly as interesting as the soloist's. Although the
Kammerorchester Berlin is perhaps too small and light toned for the Brahms, the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin provides appropriately big-toned, widescreen playing for the Sibelius. Berlin Classics' digital sound is a tad distant, but still clear and vivid.