This isn't French violinist
Renaud Capuçon's first outing as a concert soloist; he has released a recording of concertos by
Mendelssohn and
Schumann, and a disc of concerted works by French composers. This is his first recording of concertos by
Mozart, though, and it is as successful as his previous releases.
Capuçon's lean tone, lyrical approach, subtle vibrato, and supple phrasing are ideal for
Mozart's First and Third concertos, and his ardent but elegant interpretations are virtually perfect. As in his other recordings,
Capuçon's playing is both completely in the style of the works and still wholly individualistic, particularly in the cadenzas, which have a sense of improvisatory freedom that entirely suits them. Coupled with an equally stylish performance of
Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante with violist
Antoine Tamestit, and accompanied in all three works by the
Scottish Chamber Orchestra under the direction of
Louis Langrée, this CD deserves to be heard by anyone who admires the violinist, the composer, or the concertos. Virgin's digital sound is bright, crisp, detailed, and deep.