These two fine concertos deserve to be better known. They belong to that splendid school of 20th-century neo-classicism that gave us similar works by Walton, Barber, Britten, Prokofiev, and their kindred spirits. Both works feature attractive, tuneful ideas spiked with enough dissonance to keep things interesting, but without a single gratuitously harsh moment. The Violin Concerto has two large movements full of contrasting ideas, but holds together quite well despite its episodic construction. In contrast, the Cello Concerto's moderate/fast/slow sequence brings to mind Walton's contribution to the medium. Both works are very well performed. Maria Kliegel, always reliable in her work for Naxos, plays the music with admirable confidence,Read more while violinist Karen Gomyo takes her concerto's lyricism and virtuosity easily in stride. The orchestra plays well, and Petter Sundkvist conducts with gusto. An excellent disc all around.--David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com Read less
Works on This Recording
1.
Concerto for Violin, Op. 18by Bo Linde Performer:
Karen Gomyo (Violin)
Conductor:
Petter Sundkvist
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Gavle Symphony Orchestra
Period: 20th Century Written: 1957; Sweden Venue: Gävle Concert Hall. Gävle, Sweden Length: 26 Minutes 15 Secs. Notes: Gävle Concert Hall. Gävle, Sweden (03/05/2003 - 03/07/2003)
2.
Concerto for Cello, Op. 29by Bo Linde Performer:
Maria Kliegel (Cello)
Conductor:
Petter Sundkvist
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Gavle Symphony Orchestra
Period: 20th Century Written: 1965; Sweden Venue: Gävle Concert Hall. Gävle, Sweden Length: 30 Minutes 3 Secs. Notes: Gävle Concert Hall. Gävle, Sweden (04/26/2004 - 04/28/2004)
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review: ( 2 Customer Reviews )
Once MoreMarch 28, 2015By bess holloway (Boulder, CO)See All My Reviews"Sweden shows the world a gleaming prize from its treasure chest of musical wealth. At some point in history, the icicle curtain will be melted, and these works will stream outward beyond the Nordic realm."Report Abuse
Excellent, Revelatory ProgramMay 12, 2013By Henry S. (Springfield, VA)See All My Reviews"Twentieth century Swedish composer Bo Linde lived for only 37 years, but as this Naxos disk demonstrates, he composed some remarkable music of high merit during his short career, and which offer great rewards to the listener. Two vibrant concertos, for violin and cello respectively, constitute this program and are performed by two excellent soloists and a really outstanding Swedish orchestra (Gavle Symphony Orchestra). Linde's style, as exemplified in these two works, features exquisitely melodic and expressive solo work, overlaid on and backed up by a gorgeous, velvety smooth orchestral foundation. I was greatly impressed by the virtuosity displayed by violinist Karen Gomyo and (especially) cellist Maria Kliegel, both of whom play with commitment and energy that is readily detectable. The cello concerto in particular is the next thing to an absolute masterwork, and its achingly poignant third movement wraps up the work in a decidedly profound way. These two concertos may be unknown to most of us, but they are of such strikingly high quality that I am convinced that most will be instantly captivated by this excellent Naxos disk on first hearing. Very warmly recommended."Report Abuse