The Brahms is especially lovely - warm, full, rich sound which typifies this composer's best works. Its sound-world is strongly reminiscent of the Second Symphony - written in the same place - the mountain resort of Portschach - in Carinthia) only a year earlier.

Although this work is already well represented in the recording catalogue, I have very much liked this particular performance. The work has a strong role for the orchestra, as well as the soloist, and the Northern Sinfonia's playing is more than equal to this. Zehetmair's contribution is considerable; he has edited a revised edition of the score, in addition to adding his own cadenza.

This makes the concerto a hard act to follow, but the Schumann is also very good. A more measured work, this is solid and steady but never heavy or portentous. My only reservation is that perhaps the brass is a little strident in the first movement. Both oboe and violin excel in the second movement. The finale skilfully combines pace with lightness of touch, reflecting well on Zehetmair's abilities as a conductor as well as soloist.

This disc is a fine advertisement for the quality of playing - and indeed the acoustic - to be heard at The Sage. Were I still living in the North of England, it would encourage me to visit this splendid new concert hall. As this is no longer so, I shall be looking out for other recordings from this talented combination.

-- Julie Williams, MusicWeb International