I've been listening to Korngold's Violin Concerto a lot while I work on my current project, especially the recording that was made with Jascha Heifetz as soloist and Alfred Wallenstein conducting the LA Philharmonic in 1953. It so happens the concerto is available on YouTube thanks to Sinfoniette, so I have included the first movement below. The influence that composing Hollywood movie scores had on Korngold's artistry is readily apparent, and very enjoyable to listen to, although many classical-music critics sneered that he had "sold out" back in the days.
At home I listen to that exact same recording that I've bought on arkivmusic (I highly recommend this website, great service) - because you have to support being fair to composers, artists and their descendants. If you like the concerto, please consider buying the recording too!
Comments