Dvorak Violin Concerto - Inverness Courier

This lyrical but infrequently-heard concerto is a valuable addition to the diverse and exciting body of work the Scottish Chamber Orchestra has rapidly amassed since forging its alliance with the Scottish record label.

Its former principal conductor is again featured as solo violinist and its opening chords seem surprisingly boxy but the sound opens out when Swensen begins to play. His tone is sweet and finely spun and his seductive phrasing gives the slow movement an engaging intimacy. The lithe energy which the SCO brings to its accompaniment reflects the rapport it has developed with Swensen over the past nine years.

The orchestra's distance from the microphones again becomes apparent when it is featured on Dvorak's Czech Suite, Nocturne for Strings, and Waltz No. 1 which complete this melodically rich collection.