Prokofiev Violin Concerto - The Scotsman

Is there no end to Joseph Swensen's talents? As a conductor, we know him well; as a violinist we've only recently begun to appreciate him. Now he's flaunting his considerable skill as a composer and arranger. The evidence is there in a spectacular new disc made with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. The common factor is Prokofiev. Swensen, more exuberantly than most, directs a blisteringly clear and effervescent performance of the Classical Symphony. He plays and directs the beautifully lyrical Second Violin Concerto, negotiating its neat twists and turns with natural flair and flow. His poignant orchestration, solo playing and direction of the delicious Five Melodies for violin and piano sum this disc up.