TCHAIKOVSKY: VIOLIN CONCERTO; SHOSTAKOVICH: VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1 - BELKIN

Two Russian violin concertos together on a single disc. The performances are staggering, to say the least… just try the finale of the Tchaikovsky to get an idea (which, incidentally, is released complete for the first time on CD). The brooding, expansive Shostakovich makes an ideal foil to the highwire Tchaikovsky, its meditative Passacaglia worth seeking-out first, for those unfamiliar with this haunting work.

PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35*

DIMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH Violin Concerto No. 1
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra**

Boris Belkin, violin
New Philharmonia Orchestra*
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra**
Vladimir Ashkenazy