Although this is a collection of three violin concertos, it is curiously intended to serve as a showcase for conductor
Ferdinand Leitner. Still more curious is the fact that the three works here have minimal orchestral involvement with practically no big tuttis.
The Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 is not likely to satisfy listeners more accustomed to modern performance practices and stylistic approaches to Mozart. The violinist's playing is quite heavy, the vibrato is thick and wide, and the interpretation is rather romanticized. The violinist's interpretation of the Bruch concerto is more appropriate and satisfying. His vibrato is still quite intense, but in this work it is not altogether inappropriate. From a technical point of view, the soloist is quite deft and articulate. Sadly, the short tuttis that Bruch gives the orchestra are sloppy and rushed. The soloist in the Beethoven Romances (a different performer than the first two works) has a very shaky, uneven, and insecure sound making these two works the least successful of all on the album. Aficionados of historical recordings or fans of
Leitner may find this recording interesting. Anyone looking for a first recording of any of these works should definitely look elsewhere.