The same observation is true of the Second Concerto, a sunny piece in E major that also has the virtue of compactness. Its central Larghetto is very beautiful, particularly as spun out by Hagai Shaham in this virtuosic but always lucid and expressively apt interpretation. Best of all, though, is the Suite Op. 5, whose four movements include a sturdy opening Gavotte and a charming Idylle. The third-movement Intermezzo is a fabulous piece that would make a sensational concert encore. As suggested already, Shaham is fully up to the music's considerable technical demands, and you probably already know how reliable Martyn Brabbins and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra usually are.

Excellent sonics round out this second of two Hubay discs as part of Hyperion's Romantic Violin Concerto series. There is a competing set of the violin concertos, also very good, on Hungaroton, but it offers less music, and these two discs are available separately, allowing you to sample before deciding if you want more. Chances are, you will. [4/17/2006]