Renaud Capuçon - Mozart - Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 3, Sinfonia concertante (2009)

This isn't French violinist Renaud Capuçon's first outing as a concert soloist; he has released a recording of concertos by Mendelssohn and Schumann, and a disc of concerted works by French composers. This is his first recording of concertos by Mozart, though, and it is as successful as his previous releases. Capuçon's lean tone, lyrical approach, subtle vibrato, and supple phrasing are ideal for Mozart's First and Third concertos, and his ardent but elegant interpretations are virtually perfect. As in his other recordings, Capuçon's playing is both completely in the style of the works and still wholly individualistic, particularly in the cadenzas, which have a sense of improvisatory freedom that entirely suits them. Coupled with an equally stylish performance of Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante with violist Antoine Tamestit, and accompanied in all three works by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Louis Langrée, this CD deserves to be heard by anyone who admires the violinist, the composer, or the concertos. Virgin's digital sound is bright, crisp, detailed, and deep.