Stephen Pritchard writes .....
Oh, not another Mendelssohn violin concerto recording, I hear you cry. Well, yes, but wait: this one is worth exploring. These Dutch musicians treat the piece as a chamber work, the cut-down forces of the Het Gelders Orkest giving light and airy support to Liza Ferschtman’s carefully judged, singing solo line. It works beautifully, particularly in the dancing central andante. Ferschtman changes gear for the Octet, Op 20, driving the inexhaustible exuberance of this youthful piece with thrilling intensity, her fellow string players responding with similar dash and verve. Recommended.
