One of the great works of the 20th century, Bartok’s Violin Concerto No. 2 has virtually eclipsed his first effort in the genre, written thirty years earlier. However, this youthful work, inspired by his passionate, unrequited love for the young violinist Stefi Geyer and rediscovered long after the composer’s death, deserves to be rediscovered. Isabelle Faust’s deep connection to Bartok’s music inspired her to explore a variety of original sources in an attempt to get closest to the composer’s true intentions. Joined by the insightful Daniel Harding leading the Swedish Radio Symphony, Faust offers definitive readings of these masterworks.
1 I. Andante Sostenuto (Violin Concerto No. 1)
2 II. Allegro Giocoso
3 I. Allegro Non Troppo (Violin Concerto No. 2)
4 II. Andante Tranquillo
5 III. Allegro Molto