Thomas Zehetmair, Northern Sinfonia - Stravinsky: Violin Concerto / Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 6 (2009)

Proving that great performances can come from anywhere, this 2009 release of Sibelius' Third and Sixth symphonies coupled with Stravinsky's Violin Concerto, by conductor and violinist Thomas Zehetmair and the Northern Sinfonia, contains performances as fine as the finest ever recorded. This is particularly surprising since an earlier release of Brahms' Violin Concerto coupled with the original version of Schumann's Fourth Symphony featuring the same conductor and chamber orchestra was such a disappointment. But the flaws that plagued those performances, a scrawny tone and a scrappy ensemble chief among them, are nowhere in evidence on this disc. Indeed, the Northern Sinfonia's playing here rivals the best of similarly sized bands, with a cogency that none can surpass. Under Zehetmair's inspired leadership, they turn in a Sibelius Third that is strong toned and big muscled, but also lean, hard, tight, and driven, with a beautifully mysterious central Andantino and a wonderfully energetic closing Allegro. Sibelius' Sixth is both bucolic and tragic, with a closing Allegro molto that has far more unfettered fury than most performances by full-sized orchestras. But perhaps the most impressive thing here is the performance of Stravinsky's Violin Concerto. One might have thought that Zehetmair had opened the door to all manner of ensemble errors by leading from the violin, but in fact he holds the orchestra together without any sign of strain, while turning in a solo performance as stylish, sassy, and virtuosic as one could ask for. Though longtime listeners may have their favorite recordings of all three pieces, any fan of these works will surely enjoy this disc.

Avie's digital sound is a tad raw, but still very clean and extremely atmospheric: in the concerto, for example, one can faintly but clearly hear Zehetmair cue the orchestra with sharp intakes of breath before each movement.