Search - Ernst von Dohnanyi, Alun Francis, Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra :: Dohnányi: Violin Concerto Op. 27; American Rhapsody, Op. 47

Dohnányi's First Violin Concerto offers a zesty blend of Brahms and Strauss, with a healthy dose of Hungarian paprika for good measure. It's a hefty piece in four movements lasting around 45 minutes, which makes it one of the longest Romantic violin concertos in the repertoire (right up there with Elgar's). It's also rather ingeniously put together: the lengthy outer movements are thematically related and enclose two shorter character pieces. The American Rhapsody is, as the title implies, a tribute to the composer's adopted country--he ended his career teaching at Florida State University. It's a powerfully composed short work that ought to be a staple. Fine performances, lovely sound. --David Hurwitz