The shortlist for recommendable recordings of Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra just got an entry longer with this impressive Lille performance, very well played, with personality, and recorded (July 2022), a rendition of atmosphere, compelling characterisation (a particularly playful ‘Game of the Couples’), vivid detailing and well-judged tempos – much to inspire and to relish. Also included is the Viola Concerto, 1945, written for William Primrose if left in sketch form to be assembled and orchestrated by Tibor Serly. There have been several completions since, and although Alpha’s annotation is short on clarity it appears that Serly’s publication is used here. Its given a superb outing – of soulful expression and agile rhythms – by Amihai Grosz (Berliner Philharmoniker) whose rich tone, intense response and virtuosity makes much of the piece, faithfully partnered by the Lille musicians and Alexandre Bloch, music that can seem to meander but on this occasion is held together while still being flexible, exuding painterly poetry, deep (sometimes dark) feelings that are coloured by nostalgia, with such poignancy offset by the exuberant Finale to complete a revelatory reading. Alpha Classics 1013.
Column Post #7,000 – Alpha Classics releases Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra & Viola Concerto, with Amihai Grosz, Orchestre National de Lille and Alexandre Bloch.
