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Mozart: Violin Concertos 3-5 / Dumay, Camerata Academica Salzburg


Release Date: 09/09/2008 
Label:  Deutsche Grammophon   Catalog #: 457645   Spars Code: DDD 
Composer:  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performer:  Augustin Dumay
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Camerata Academica
Number of Discs: 1 
Recorded in: Stereo 
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This CD is reissued by ArkivMusic.

Notes and Editorial Reviews

Performances that are bursting with vitality, with a supreme technical command matched by an elegant stylistic approach.

Augustin Dumay’s performances of these Mozart violin concertos are bursting with vitality, his supreme technical command matched by his elegant stylistic approach. A former pupil of Arthur Grumiaux, he achieves the same singing optimism as his mentor, but errs further on the side of restraint, occasionally minimising his vibrato to allow for greater contrast. In the Concerto in G, K216, his virtuosity is unquestionable, particularly evident in his meticulous yet vivid reading of Ysaÿe’s rippling cadenza in the Allegro. The Adagio does not have the tenderness of Grumiaux’s account, but Dumay’s air Read more of refinement and control in its singing phrases is eminently expressive, while the final Rondeau: Allegro is played with consummate poise.

The dizzy heights of the opening Allegro of the Concerto in D, K218, are particularly impressive, Dumay displaying a wonderfully clear, ringing tone. The Concerto in A, K219, is equally fine: lithe and full of character. Dumay languishes pleasantly in the melting Adagio episode of the opening, and traverses the Allegro aperto with dazzling finesse. The Adagio is understated, yet supremely beautiful, while the finale is nothing short of riotous, Dumay whooping over the ‘Turkish’ melody as the Camerata Academica Salzburg lends a dancing, percussive edge to the accompaniment; although the mood melts as suddenly with Dumay’s delicate final reprise of the minuet theme.

The Camerata, directed from the bow by Dumay, gives fine support throughout; its ensemble sounds warm and polished, with real muscular incisiveness. The only complaint is that the violin sometimes disappears at the ends of its softest phrases, but otherwise Dumay’s performances are easily as fine as Grumiaux’s in their eloquence, vivacity and exquisite purity of tone.

Performance: 5 (out of 5), Sound: 4 (out of 5)

-- Catherine Nelson, BBC Music Magazine
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Works on This Recording

1.
Concerto for Violin no 3 in G major, K 216 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performer:  Augustin Dumay (Violin)
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Camerata Academica
Period: Classical 
Written: 1775; Salzburg, Austria 
2.
Concerto for Violin no 4 in D major, K 218 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performer:  Augustin Dumay (Violin)
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Camerata Academica
Period: Classical 
Written: 1775 
3.
Concerto for Violin no 5 in A major, K 219 "Turkish" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performer:  Augustin Dumay (Violin)
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Camerata Academica
Written: 1775 

Sound Samples

Violin Concerto No.3 in G, K.216 - Cadenza: Eugčne Ysaye: 1. Allegro
Violin Concerto No.3 in G, K.216 - Cadenzas: Arthur Grumiaux: 2. Adagio
Violin Concerto No.3 in G, K.216 - Cadenzas: Arthur Grumiaux: 3. Rondeau: Allegro
Violin Concerto No.4 in D, K.218 - Cadenzas: Joseph Joachim: 1. Allegro
Violin Concerto No.4 in D, K.218 - Cadenzas: Joseph Joachim: 2. Andante cantabile
Violin Concerto No.4 in D, K.218: 3. Rondeau (Andante grazioso - Allegro ma non troppo)
Violin Concerto No.5 in A, K.219: 1. Allegro aperto
Violin Concerto No.5 in A, K.219 - Cadenza: Joseph Joachim: 2. Adagio
Violin Concerto No.5 in A, K.219: 3. Rondeau (Tempo di minuetto)

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