Violin Concerto, Cortège, Cello Concerto No.2

Cover of CD of violin concerto featuring an abstract painting (portrait of CM composer) by Jack Smith

Recorded: 2016
Record label: NMC Recordings
Performers: BBC Symphony Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra; Leila Josefowicz (violin), Anssi Karttunen (cello); Oliver Knussen (conductor), Riccardo Chailly (conductor), Rumon Gamba (conductor)
Availability: On general release

This album showcases three large-scale orchestral pieces; the dark, Mahlerian Cortège (1988) being the earliest work recorded here. Violin Concerto (2009) was composed for Leila Josefowicz; the piece emerged naturally from her musical personality, style and technique. Cello Concerto No.2 (1996) was composed for Mstislav Rostropovich, who gave its first performance with the London Symphony Orchestra and Sir Colin Davis at the Barbican, London, on 17 September 1996.

Reviews of Violin Concerto, Cortège, Cello Concerto No.2

Josefowicz is superb – radiant and pointed – in the concerto written for her. Cortège is colossal; and Karttunen dexterously finds his way through the Second Cello Concerto

— Gramophone

All the recordings on this disc have that sense of confidence, and bravura challenge. This is a fine birthday present and is essential listening

— Planet Hugill

It’s wonderful to hear such a thrilling performance of [Cortège] … his pieces are impeccably crafted

— The Times