Composer: Frederik van Rossum
Works: Violin Concerto No. 1 Op.37 (1979/80), Violin Concerto No. 2 Op.45 (1985/90), Epitaphe Op.25 (1972)
Performers: Paul Zazofsky (violin), Orchestre Philharmonique de Liège et de la Communauté Française, Pierre Bartholomée
Recording: Conservatoire Royal de Liège, February 1993
Label: Cypres
Frederik van Rossum, born in 1939, emerges as a significant figure in contemporary classical music, particularly noted for his contributions to the violin repertoire. His Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 37, commissioned for the Queen Elizabeth Competition in 1980, has garnered attention for its exceptional blend of technical demands and lyrical expression. This recording, featuring Paul Zazofsky with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Liège, captures the essence of van Rossum’s musical language, characterized by its emotive depth and rhythmic vitality.
The first concerto is masterfully constructed, showcasing a unique interplay between the soloist and orchestra. Zazofsky’s interpretation is both technically adept and profoundly expressive, embodying the work’s contrasting elements. The opening movement sets forth with a vigorous energy, demanding precision and agility from the violinist. Zazofsky’s articulation is crisp, particularly in the rapid passages that weave through the orchestral fabric. The lyrical second movement, reminiscent of Britten’s poignant lyricism, reveals Zazofsky’s ability to convey subtleties of emotion, juxtaposing warm melodic lines against a backdrop of complex orchestral textures. The balance between the soloist and orchestra is adeptly maintained by conductor Pierre Bartholomée, ensuring that the orchestral writing, rich in harmonic color, does not overshadow the violin’s voice.
Van Rossum’s Second Violin Concerto, Op. 45, composed a decade later, represents a marked evolution in his compositional style. Divided into two extensive movements—Prologue and Incantations lyriques—it is an ambitious work that further explores the emotional and technical possibilities of the violin. Zazofsky’s performance here is particularly noteworthy; the Prologue unfolds with an almost ritualistic intensity, while the Incantations lyriques offers a meditative contrast filled with hauntingly beautiful lines. The violin’s soaring melodies evoke a sense of both longing and introspection, allowing Zazofsky to explore a broad palette of dynamics and timbres. This concerto demands not only technical prowess but also emotional engagement, and Zazofsky meets these challenges with commendable artistry.
Completing this recording is Epitaphe, Op. 25, a moving elegy dedicated to van Rossum’s grandfather. Written for the esteemed violinist Lola Bobesco, this piece channels the influence of Bartók, evident in its folk-inspired motifs and intricate textures. In this recording, the ensemble plays with a refined sensitivity that complements the introspective nature of the work. The acoustic environment of the Liège Conservatory enhances the sound quality, allowing the intricate interplay among instruments to emerge with clarity. The engineering captures the warmth of the strings and the richness of the orchestral sound without sacrificing detail, creating an immersive listening experience.
This disc stands as a compelling testament to van Rossum’s contributions to the violin repertoire, showcasing the evolution of his compositional voice. Zazofsky’s interpretations, coupled with the Orchestra Philharmonique de Liège’s adept support, deliver performances that are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. For those interested in contemporary violin music, this recording is an invaluable addition, illuminating the depth and diversity of van Rossum’s artistry. The technical demands and expressive potential of these works, particularly as realized by Zazofsky, make this release not only welcome but essential for any serious collection of modern violin concertos.
