Violin Concertos Nos 1 & 2

"rhythmically taut, meticulously executed performances...few will be able to resist Hanslip's deliciously coquettish handling of the rondo movements of both concertos." (Gramophone)

"At 40 minutes, the First Concerto has its longeurs...But it's beautifully shaped by Martyn Brabbins, with a warm resonant sound to the recording, and Chloe Hanslip's entry doesn't disappoint. There's a lovely depth to her tone in the dolce first theme, and the acrobatics which Vieuxtemps puts her through...are meaningfully phrased with a variety of tone and dynamics." (BBC Music)

Henry Vieuxtemps (1820-1881) was a French violin virtuoso who, after the death of Paganini, was widely considered to be the best violinist in Europe. Besides being a brilliant player, he was a remarkably fine composer, as demonstrated in these, his first two concertos. Alongside the memorable violin fireworks, Vieuxtemps here shows a well-argued musical sensibility that straddles both the Classical and Romantic eras as well as the ability to write gorgeous, almost operatic slow movements in the best bel canto tradition.