Dmitry Smirnov; Heinz Holliger; Kammerorchester Basel - Lalo: L'invitation au Voyage

The CD of the Basel Chamber Orchestra shows references between French and Russian music at the end of the 19th century.Dmitry Smirnov interprets the 1st and 4th violin concertos by Edouard Lalo. The latter is called Concerto russe because it contains songs from Rimsky-Korsakoff's collection of folk songs Op. 24.

Smirnov has now arranged these songs himself for chamber orchestra or for violin and orchestra. Presented in this context, the songs add an extremely interesting new note to the musical bridging.

conductor Heinz Holliger [�] matches the violinist's unfailing thoughtfulness note for note. The Duparc proves languid and upbeat, luxuriating in Smirnov's richly seductive depth of tone. � BBC Music Magazine; Recording (5 STARS), Performance (4 STARS)