Listeners who picked up this CD may never realize that the soloists performing concertos of
Mozart,
Glière, and
Korngold are actually winners of a young artist competition (the ARD International Music Competition) instead of long-established soloists. Clarinetist
Sebastian Manz does well by his teacher
Sabine Meyer in a truly elegant, refined interpretation of the
Mozart A major Concerto. His tone is pure and clear and his interpretation is fresh, vibrant, and completely convincing. In a complete rarity, the second work on the program is
Glière's E flat major Harp Concerto performed by
Emmanuel Ceysson. Though the work is scarcely known,
Ceysson's playing is somehow entirely captivating and engaging, instantly elevating the neglected work to a higher level. Perhaps the biggest surprise on the disc comes with 17-year-old
Hyeyoon Park's vivid, energetic performance of the
Korngold Violin Concerto. Despite its many technical and interpretive obstacles,
Park tosses off the piece with apparent ease and abundant confidence. For all three young soloists, the
Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra is led by young, up-and-coming conductors (
Cornelius Meister and
Lawrence Renes) and provides a well-balanced, sensitive, and detailed accompaniment. BR Klassik's sound is rich and warm. Listeners who are interested in top-knotch performances by artists whose careers merit watching will be pleased with this album.