David Frühwirth, Henri Sigfridsson - Short Stories: A Collection of Romantic Violin Pieces (2004)

Since this CD's overtly Romantic program is plainly aimed at the mass market and the works are obvious showpieces for violin and piano, some will regard this album merely as a flashy vehicle for a rising star. Yet David Frühwirth has judiciously chosen a number of obscure but delightful works to premiere here, and the pieces by the almost forgotten Jenö Hubay, Efrem Zimbalist, Joseph Achron, Ovide Musin, and Hans Sitt are charming curiosities that many will find appealing. While the names of Kurt Weill, Alexander Glazunov, Henryk Wieniawski, and Henri Vieuxtemps are indeed famous, Frühwirth has nonetheless found a few of their unknown gems to lavish with his considerable skills and flamboyant Viennese style. Of course, the disc's title, Short Stories, promises a series of miniature narratives, and this vague thematic conceit almost works if enough imagination is supplied. But this light music can be appreciated on its own terms, without much ado about the marketing angle; and Frühwirth and his accompanist, Henri Sigfridsson, deliver these short, splashy pieces with spontaneous wit, rich expression, and vibrant color. The sound quality is warm and resonant, and the musicians have an almost palpable presence.