Coleridge-Taylor and Dvořák Violin Concertos album review – a brilliant collaboration, with Gill Shaham fluid and impressive | Classical music

Pintroducing Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and his musical idol Dvořák is a brilliant idea. The British composer, of Sierra Leonean heritage, often finds his Violin Concerto alongside a well-known English work. Here, in conjunction with one of the most famous concertos of the 19th century, it comes into its own.

The Coleridge-Taylor concerto was first performed in Connecticut in 1912 (although the first parts went down with the Titanic). Although he does not refer to actual spirituality, his sound and music are reminiscent of traditional African music. Gil Shaham has the measure of the work, his tone and laser tone that make this line a great success over most recordings. Eric Jacobsen and the excellent Virginia Symphony Orchestra ensure that this series remains light on its feet.

Dvořák also took up the same folk tale in his 1883 concerto, although his chosen idiom was Slavic. Using the music of his homeland, the singer was able to squeeze out the shock and anger at the end. Once again, Shaham is fluid and engaging, especially during the slower pace of the song. Curtis Stewart’s The Famous People, a re-creation of one of Dvořák’s Slavic Dances seen through the lens of an American slave dance, makes for a bright spot.