If you love the Violin Concerto, especially from the likes of Vieuxtemps, Bruch, Mendelssohn, etc...then your ship has come in. Jeno Hubay was a Hungarian composer and violinist who lived from 1858 to 1937. His music is a combination of multiple 19th century styles and ideals, deeply rooted in romanticism. His circle of friends included Liszt, Joachim, and Vieuxtemps, the who's who of virtuosity at the height of its powers. Therefore his music is an ideal combination of great flowing melodies and intricate technical demands.

The young violinist Chloë Hanslip is, as I've mentioned before in other reviews, a delight to listen to. Her playing always has a singing tone and a beautiful sound, and she blends technique and art seamlessly. The orchestral support given here by conductor Andrew Mogrelia is first class and adds rich colors to the music at hand. One of the highlights of the Naxos new releases for the fall of 2009.

Jean-Yves Duperron