Vadim Repin brings his second recording for Deutsche Grammaphon, and this time pairs two showcase pieces by Johannes Brahms. The violin concerto is matched with the composer's only other non-piano concerto: "The Double Concerto for Violin and Cello."
The showcase piece for this recording is definitely the violin concerto. Things open powerfully and directly in the first movement, and it's important to note a wonderful compatibility of style between Repin and the Gewandhausorchester. The strings, especially, display a very fluid and nuanced range that is fierce with intensity when it needs to be, sweeping and lyrical a moment later, but also powerfully restrained in support of the solo performer. Vadim Repin, in response, is commanding in this movement, and delivers all the vitality of the music with beautiful authority.
If there is a weak point to the violin concerto it is the slow movement. It's technically performed very well, by all involved. But it's a bit bland, as if the technical hurdle was enough. Repin is actually outperformed in several spots by the orchestra, in terms of emotion and giving nuance to the line. The movement is beautiful, but it's a tired beauty.
The real gem of this piece, though, is the final allegro movement. It's a lively tour de force that Repin delivers with wonderfully loose precision. By this I mean that his tone and energy level has a hypnotic, gypsy dervish quality that really sells the performance as one possessed by the music itself. It's a living, breathing interpretation that energizes the listener. In response, the orchestra rises to the occasion and gives wonderful warmth and passion to help round out this piece.
The double concerto offers a chance for nice programming, if perhaps slightly less equal intensity on the parts of the soloists. While both Repin and cellist Truls Mork bring a fittingly romantic take to Brahms final orchestral composition, they feel a touch reserved. It is at turns both wistful and joyous, complementing the violin concerto very well in this regard, although containing a bit more melancholy.
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