Lydia Mordkovitch, Richard Hickox - Bruch: Violin Concerto No.3, Symphony No.1 (2000)

In the 19th Century, music stood at a crossroads: Liszt and Wagner representing an aesthetic revolution while stalwarts such as Brahms and Max Bruch stood by the classic form. Bruch's style was fully developed by 1860, and though he lived and worked for another 60 years, the composer's work stands as a unified whole.
This recording of Bruch's Symphony No. 1 and Violin Concerto No. 3 testifies to the consistency of the composer's vision. Though separated by over 20 years, they speak to Bruch's unfailing ear. Vividly performed by Richard Hickox and the London Symphony Orchestra, the works are vibrant and physical without sacrificing harmony or tonal structures. The symphony represents the full realization of Bruch's signature style, employing several devices such as harmonic suspensions and arpeggio accompaniments, which were to characterize his work for the next 50 years.
Soloist Lydia Mordkovitch brings an aching beauty to the Concerto, fearlessly launching into the dramatic tempo changes. She voices delicate passages with precious care and muscles into the Allegro with abandon. The result is a remarkably emotional and rewarding experience.