ostakovi, Prokofjev: Houslov koncerty – CD

This recording presents Dmitri Shostakovichs Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor and Sergei Prokofievs Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major, performed by violinist Daniel Mateja with the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra under conductor Tom Netopil. Mateja first conquered the prestigious Eurovision Young Musicians competition in 2022 at the age of 17 with Shostakovichs concerto, and his 2023 Supraphon debut featuring Eugne Ysaes complete solo sonatas was enthusiastically compared by Gramophone, BBC Music Magazine, Classica and other critics with recordings by todays violin stars. Shostakovich wrote his concerto in 194748 for David Oistrakh, but its premiere was delayed until after Stalins death after the composer was branded a formalist and its prominent Jewish musical motifs became an additional liability under the antisemitic Soviet regime. Prokofievs First Violin Concerto, composed intermittently between 1914 and 1917, is full of contrasting moods and forms a striking counterpoint to Shostakovichs dramatic work. Mateja performs both concertos with compelling energy and virtuoso technique, moving across a broad emotional range from rawness and delicacy to moving depth. Tom Netopil shapes the orchestras sound with a rich palette of dynamics and colours while closely accompanying the soloist throughout the musical journey. The recording is distinguished by a vivid, present and spacious sound.