Composer: Henryk Wieniawski
Works: Violin Concerto No. 2, Sérénade Mélancolique
Performers: Mischa Elman, violin; London Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Barbirolli (December 1929); Victor Symphony Orchestra conducted by Nathaniel Shilkret (August 1930); Robin Hood Dell Orchestra of Philadelphia conducted by Alexander Hilsberg (June 1950)
Recording: NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110912
Label: NAXOS
Henryk Wieniawski, a Polish virtuoso and composer, occupies a unique space in the pantheon of 19th-century violinists. His Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, composed in 1862, stands as a testament to his virtuosic flair and melodic ingenuity. This concerto is characterized by its lyrical themes and technical demands, serving as a showcase for both the violinist’s skill and the expressive capabilities of the instrument. The Sérénade Mélancolique, on the other hand, reveals Wieniawski’s gift for poignant melody, highlighting the emotional depth he could convey through the violin. The coupling of these works with Mischa Elman’s recordings—particularly under the baton of John Barbirolli—offers a rich exploration of Wieniawski’s artistry.
Elman’s interpretation of the Violin Concerto No. 2 is particularly compelling, marked by his signature lush tone and emotive phrasing. The opening Allegro moderato unfolds with a sumptuous warmth that is quintessentially Elman; his portamenti are not merely embellishments but rather integral to the melodic line, creating a sense of longing that permeates the music. This contrasts with the more precise, almost clinical approaches of later violinists such as Jascha Heifetz, whose interpretations, while dazzling, can lack the same emotional resonance. Elman’s ability to navigate the concerto’s technical demands—such as the rapid passagework and the double stops—while maintaining a lyrical line is indicative of his technical prowess and interpretative insight.
The engineering of this Naxos release is commendable, allowing Elman’s tonal nuances to shine through. The remastering respects the historical context of the recordings, presenting them with clarity that brings the listener closer to the original performance. The orchestral accompaniment, conducted by Barbirolli, complements Elman’s playing with a sensitivity that enhances the overall experience. Barbirolli’s pacing in the orchestral tuttis is judicious, providing a supportive backdrop that allows the soloist to take center stage without feeling overshadowed.
Elman’s interpretation of the Sérénade Mélancolique, recorded with the Victor Symphony Orchestra, is equally noteworthy. Here, his vibrato, described by critics as “molten,” is particularly effective in conveying the work’s melancholic character. The slower tempo allows for a deep exploration of the lyrical lines, creating a sense of introspection. This contrasts effectively with the more vigorous passages of the concerto, illustrating Elman’s versatility as a performer. The engineering of this recording may not possess the same clarity as the concerto, yet it retains a charm that evokes the era in which it was produced, capturing the emotional intensity of Elman’s performance.
The comparison with contemporaneous recordings, such as that of Isaac Stern in the 1950s, highlights the evolution of violin playing. While Stern’s interpretation is marked by a technical brilliance and a more aggressive vibrato, Elman’s performance retains a sense of nostalgia and warmth that feels distinctly personal. This brings to light the question of interpretative style in the violin repertoire: where Stern’s approach is assertive, Elman’s is more reflective and nuanced.
The recordings on this Naxos disc serve as a poignant reminder of Mischa Elman’s extraordinary talent and his contributions to the violin repertoire. The combination of Wieniawski’s evocative works with Elman’s rich interpretative choices results in a listening experience that is both historically significant and artistically rewarding. This disc not only preserves the legacy of a remarkable violinist but also invites contemporary audiences to appreciate the emotive power and technical brilliance that characterized Elman’s performances.
