Composer: Joseph Szigeti
Works: Various arrangements and concertos including Bach’s Keyboard Concerto in D Minor BWV 1052, Tartini’s Concerto in D Minor, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major Op. 61, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor Op. 64, Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major Op. 19, Bloch’s Violin Concerto, Bartók’s Contrasts, and more
Performers: Joseph Szigeti (violin), various orchestras and pianists including Fritz Stiedry, Bruno Walter, Sir Thomas Beecham, Andor Földes, and Benny Goodman
Recording: Columbia Masterworks, various dates between 1932 and 1946
Label: ANDaNTE
Joseph Szigeti, a titan of the early 20th-century violin landscape, emerges in this remarkable anthology, presenting a curated collection of works that not only showcases his technical prowess but also his profound musical sensibility. The recordings, spanning from 1932 to 1946, capture an artist whose interpretations straddle the divide between the traditional and the avant-garde, reflecting the historical milieu in which he thrived. Each piece in this compilation serves as a testament to Szigeti’s commitment to both the repertoire and the spirit of the music, highlighting his ability to navigate the complexities of both popular and lesser-known works.
The first disc opens with Bach’s Keyboard Concerto in D Minor, transcribed for violin. Here, Szigeti’s approach marries elegance with a robust musicality, though one senses a slight struggle with the orchestral accompaniment led by Fritz Stiedry. The cadenzas, while beautifully articulated, reveal a yearning for the harmonic depth typically provided by the keyboard, underscoring the limitations of the arrangement. Szigeti’s engagement with the Tartini Concerto follows suit, where his sweet tone and lyrical phrasing imbue the piece with a refined taste that resonates with the Baroque ethos. The inclusion of arrangements, particularly the Largo from another Bach keyboard concerto, showcases Szigeti’s knack for transposition, where the violin’s voice emerges as both a storyteller and a virtuoso.
As the collection unfolds, Szigeti’s interpretations of Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances and Hubay’s Hungarian Rhapsody are marked by a deft understanding of folk idioms. The infectious energy of the dances, paired with the natural idiomatic flair Szigeti exhibits, highlights a performer who is deeply in touch with his cultural roots. The collaborations with pianists Nikita Magaloff and Andor Földes further elevate the performances, adding layers of depth to the already vibrant readings. The sound quality, thanks to meticulous remastering by ANDaNTE, preserves the warmth and clarity of Szigeti’s tone, allowing listeners to appreciate the subtleties of his phrasing and the dynamic interplay with his partners.
The Beethoven Violin Concerto, recorded under the baton of Bruno Walter, presents a fascinating juxtaposition of Szigeti’s interpretive choices against the orchestral backdrop. While some may find Walter’s fluctuating tempi a challenge, Szigeti’s resilient phrasing and emotional depth pierce through any uncertainties, particularly in the Rondo, which crescendos into a moment of impassioned grandeur. The Mendelssohn Concerto, conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham, reveals a lively yet occasionally erratic ensemble, yet Szigeti’s sweet-toned playing imbues the performance with a genial spirit that is both engaging and nuanced.
The collection closes with a series of fascinating collaborations, including Bartók’s Contrasts, where Szigeti’s partnership with clarinetist Benny Goodman and Bartók himself is particularly illuminating. The playful exchanges and rhythmic vitality in the fast dance movement resonate with the shared history of these artists, highlighting the interpretative synergy that characterizes this performance. The inclusion of Stravinsky’s Duo Concertant and Pastorale further enriches the anthology, providing a glimpse into Szigeti’s adventurous spirit as he traverses diverse musical landscapes.
The breadth of repertoire and historical significance of these recordings establish Joseph Szigeti not only as a performer of great skill but as a vital conduit for the music of his time. ANDaNTE has done a commendable job in assembling this collection, allowing contemporary audiences to experience the artistry of a musician whose legacy continues to influence violinists today. Each track offers a unique insight into Szigeti’s interpretative world, making this anthology an invaluable addition to the canon of classical recordings. The rich tapestry of styles, from Baroque to modernism, reflects an artist unafraid to embrace the complexities of his time, leaving us with a deeper understanding of the music he so passionately championed.
