Reger: Violin Concerto, Chaconne for Solo Violin

Schmid, Benjamin, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra

ODE 1203-2

Being "one of the last giants of music" as Hindemith described Reger, his works are still unnecessarily seldom featured in concert programs today. This release invites to listen to a captivating performance of Reger's Violin Concerto, a hugely charming big romantic work with broad sentimental gestures. Also the composer himself felt extremely confident about the work as he wrote: "I know this sounds arrogant, but I believe that this violin concerto will follow in the footsteps of those of Beethoven and Brahms." The CD winds up with a virtuosic Chaconne for Solo Violin, Op. 117/4, a work inspired by Reger's greatest idol Johann Sebastian Bach. Known for his exceptionally wide repertoire and a great sense of musicality Benjamin Schmid is one of the most versatile violinists of today. Described as "one of the most valuable of today's golden-age-violinists" (The New York Sun), Schmid has performed with orchestras such as Wiener Philharmoniker, Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, National Symphony Orchestra Washington, Gulbenkian Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra of Europe. He is also a sought-after jazz violinist. In 2006 the Strad Magazine wrote: "Schmid mesmerises from his very first entry, shaping phrases with a skin-rippling sensitivity to send the spirits soaring. His golden tone, immaculate intonation, faultless technique and total identification with this magical score are truly things of wonder."

CD x 1

Ondine

9/27/12

761195120323

ICMA 'Nominee' (2012)