The star of this consistently first-rate disc of music by
Korngold is violinist
Philippe Quint, whose focused tone, incisive intonation, athletic technique, and expressive phrasing ideally suit the composer's supremely Romantic Violin Concerto. This strong-willed account is deeply emotional and immensely appealing;
Quint's opening Moderato is noble, his central Andante amorous, and his concluding Allegro assai vivace exuberant.
Carlos Miguel Prieto leads the Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería in a dynamic reading that sounds less like an accompaniment and more like a partnership of equals. In the purely orchestral Overture to a Drama and Concert Suite from Much Ado About Nothing,
Prieto and the Mexican orchestra turn in a pair of tremendous performances. The Overture is vigorous, stalwart, and determined, and the Suite is bright, sweet, and sassy. Recorded in translucent, evocative sound in Mexico City, this disc is well worth hearing by anyone who admires
Korngold's music or who enjoys top-notch playing.