Yes, Vox is still making new recordings, and so is violinist Aaron Rosand. This one is superb. The excellence of the Malaysian Philharmonic may come as a bit of a surprise to many collectors (that country’s government has spent literally tens of millions of dollars to create and house a first class ensemble), and the exceptional quality of these performances certainly wasn’t something that could be taken for granted. Still, listening is believing. Rosand plays Glazunov’s charming and still underrated Violin Concerto with exactly the right vein of gentle poetry that it requires. He handles the Moderato opening and ensuing Andante sweetly and characterfully with tasteful touches of portamento, then projects the rollicking finale with effortless virtuosity. Bakels and the orchestra provide a richly colored, expertly balanced accompaniment. The brief Meditation Op. 32 makes a delightful encore.
Fine though the Violin Concerto may be, The Seasons makes a stronger impression still. Of course it’s a more imposing work, arguably Glazunov’s masterpiece, and this dazzling performance shows orchestra and conductor operating on a world class level both technically and interpretively. From the four variations that comprise the body of “Winter”, to the freshly vernal portrait of “Spring” and the delicious Valse des Bluets et des Pavots at the heart of “Summer”, this is marvelous listening. Bakels projects the grand autumn Bacchanal perfectly–a touch more slowly than Järvi on Chandos, but more rhythmically emphatic and texturally vivid. The orchestra digs into its final variation (The Satyre) with a gusto that calls to mind Roussel. It’s all captured in powerful, brilliant sonics that compare favorably with the best on offer today. Don’t let a small mistake on the tray card (the track listing jumps from 17 to 19) lead you to believe anything’s missing. It’s all here, and it’s glorious. [12/9/2001]
