Benjamin Schmid - Wieniawski / Szymanowski: Violin Concertos / Lutoslawski: Chain 2 (LP)

Benjamin Schmid, a renowned violinist, presents a captivating album that showcases his virtuosity and versatility. This 2007 release on Oehms Classics features a compelling blend of romantic and modern classical music, spanning a total duration of one hour.

The album opens with Henryk Wieniawski's Violin Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 22, a piece that highlights Schmid's technical prowess and expressive depth. The concerto is performed with the NFM Wrocław Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Raiskin, delivering a dynamic and engaging interpretation of this classic work.

The second half of the album is dedicated to Karol Szymanowski's Violin Concerto No. 2, Op. 61, another display of Schmid's ability to convey the intricate emotions and complexities of the piece. The orchestral accompaniment by the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra, also under the direction of Daniel Raiskin, complements Schmid's performance beautifully.

The album concludes with Witold Lutosławski's "Chain 2," a modernist work that challenges and intrigues. This piece is a dialogue for violin and orchestra, showcasing Schmid's adaptability and mastery of contemporary music.

Throughout the album, Benjamin Schmid's exceptional talent and musical insight shine through, making this a memorable and enriching listening experience.