Every now and again a recording comes along that is of such supreme quality, that I simply must stop and tell you about it. It deserves a special stand alone article. And this performance by Ning Feng, recorded by Jared Sacks, is such a release. Read on...
Brahms & Goldmark Violin Concertos, Ning Feng, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Antony Hermus. Channel Classics 2025 (DXD 32-bit, Stereo MCh) Edit Master Sourced HERE
This pairing of concertos is particularly apt as these works were both written in 1877 and the composers were dear friends. In Goldmark's lyrical Violin Concerto in A Minor, Ning Feng plays the original 5-minute cadenza which is seldom heard in its entirety.
Ning Feng (b. 1982) has long been associated with Brahms' famous Violin Concerto in D, Op.77, which needs little introduction. He played it when he won First Prize in the International Paganini Competition 2006 as well as First Prize in the 2005 Michael Hill International Violin Competition.
Both concertos are regularly performed and are mainstays of the concert repertoire. In this recording, they receive superlative performances by Ning Feng (who is just brilliant) and the Konzerthausorchester Berlin.
Ning Feng is on fire in the dramatic segments, playing with passion, power, and utter brilliance. And in the slower, lyrical passages, he plays with sublime tenderness and heart rending emotional gentleness. This is characteristic of his playing: that ability to shift with complete conviction from storming the heavens to a mother's gentle breath. If you've not listened to one of his other recordings, this is an excellent introduction to one of the great masters performing today.
In the Goldmark, he includes the full 5-minute original cadenza which is rarely heard in its entirety. It is simply outstanding. I value this recording of the work among all others simply to have the full cadenza. To have it also with the exceptional playing of this great violinist is to be treasured.
The recording by Jared Sacks is yet a further aural treat. Jared's ability to capture the natural acoustics of the performance hall, and to perfectly balance the sound of soloist with that of a large orchestra so that the two are of a single sonic fabric, is stunning. Every time I hear him do it. And here he has done so to perfection—perhaps the best of any in his catalog. This was recorded October 23-25, 2023 at Konzerthaus, Berlin (Germany), so already much water under the bridge. I will be so sad when Jared finally retires from making these large orchestral recordings (the demands of travel and setup are brutal). When that time comes, his talents will be sorely missed among audiophiles valuing large scale orchestral recordings.
I suggest this performance and recording to you with my highest recommendation. It is a rare treat you should not miss.
Ning Feng, born in 1982 in Chengdu, China and now based in Berlin, has developed a reputation internationally as an artist of great lyricism and emotional transparency, displaying tremendous bravura and awe-inspiring technical accomplishment. He plays the 1710 Stradivari violin known as the "Vieuxtemps Hauser" and travels extensively for performances as soloist. For those near London, he performs regularly at London's Wigmore Hall. He has recorded with Jared Sack on Channel Classics since their first album release together in 2008.
Ning Feng (Photo by Tianyou Zhang, courtesy of Channel Classics)
Other recordings my Ning Feng, all recommended, available from NativeDSD HERE:
