Glass, Rorem, Bernstein: Violin Concertos & Serenade

As the twentieth century came to a close, Deutsche Grammaphon released a series of CDs that encapsulate the music of the century. Their 20/21 series brings out the best, if not the best-known music composed in the latter half of the last century.

This CD is an unusual coupling on first encounter. Three very different works spanning over 30 years by three very different composers, Philip Glass, Ned Rorem and Leonard Bernstein. Three American concertos for violin and orchestra which demonstrate the wide scope for this genre, played by an exeptional violinist.

Born in Latvia, the son of two orchestral violinists, Gidon Kremer showed prodigious talent even as a child. He studied with David Oistrach, and burst onto the Western musical stage with his recording of the Brahms violin concerto in 1975. Herbert von Karajan declared him to be the greatest violinist of the age.

Kremer is most famous for championing new music and for new interpretations of old works. His style is technically brilliant, but never showy. His premier recording of the Glass violin concerto has never been bettered, and is perfect for his style.

So here we have three modern works for violin. The Glass is world-class music, an instant classic. The other two works are curiosities. While not in the same league, they are certainly interesting. And Kremer's performance is breathtaking.