James Sedares, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra - Miklós Rózsa: Viola Concerto, Sinfonia Concertante (1996)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 277 Mb | Total time: 66:08 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Koch International Classics | # 3-7304-2H1 | Recorded: 1994
Both works on this the third volume in Koch’s superb series of Rozsa’s orchestral music were inspired by suggestions from the cellist Gregor Piatigorsky, the Op. 29 (1966) being a direct commission for a double concerto for himself and Jascha Heifetz. Despite having to juggle with the temperamental demands of his two eminent soloists, both of whom would object if the spotlight seemed to be favouring one instrument more than the other (which probably explains why Rozsa reduced the piece by over ten minutes following its poorly received premiere in Chicago under Jean Martinon), the resulting showcase, with its passionate opening movement and highly rhythmic finale, is further evidence of the composer’s abiding affection for his native Hungary.