Violinist gives new life to 2 concertos

Violinist Joshua Bell's new CD of the Mendelssohn and Beethoven concertos is a major addition to the recordings currently available of these two works. Bell's sensitivity to the melodic line and his subtle yet forceful virtuosity give these concertos new meaning. It's almost as if you're hearing them for the first time — not an easy task, considering how well-known these two works are.

With the Mendelssohn, Bell manages to infuse new life into this old war-horse with his enthusiastic playing. This is a dramatic and dynamic, and above all, impassioned reading. The opening movement is stormy, forceful and driven, while the second movement is notable for the poignancy Bell produces with his simple and direct playing. The finale is light, playful and spirited.

Bell wrote his own cadenza for the first movement. It's well-integrated into the musical fabric. Since the cadenza comes in the middle and not at its usual place toward the end of the movement, this presented something of a challenge for Bell. However, he succeeded in making the transition seamlessly, and the cadenza makes imaginative use of material from the movement.

His performance of the Beethoven concerto is one of the more perceptive, thoughtful and well-conceived readings of this work to come out in recent years. Bell captures the essence of the music with his playing. The first movement has a wistfulness about it that transcends to the realm of the contemplative. The second movement is sweetly tender and filled with longing. The finale has a fine sense of humor about it but is still robust and energetic.

Conductor Sir Roger Norrington offers intelligent accompaniment to Bell's playing. Their collaboration is quite simply of the highest order. And the Camerata Salzburg plays magnificently, with finesse, polish and distinction.

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