Violin Concerto, Suite: Morwood(Vn)brabbins / Bbc Scottish.so

The music of Charles Villiers Stanford is probably most familiar to listeners who are aquatinted with the many sacred choral works that he wrote for the Anglican church. The Irish-born Stanford was one of the most revered musical figures in Edwardian England and was the influential teacher of Vaughan Williams, Howells, and Holst. Stanford was also a violinist and this recording, part of Hyperion's "Romantic Violin Concerto" series, features two of Stanford's large-scale works for violin and orchestra.
The Suite Op. 32 is a five-movement work that pays tribute to the music of the baroque era. Each of the five movements makes great demands on the violin soloist, especially the Bach-flavored "Ouverture." Violin soloist Anthony Marwood is up to the challenges presented by this obscure but engaging work, playing the silky legato lines with lyricism. The Concerto in D Major is a massive work that bears Brahms' influence, particularly in the orchestral accompaniment. Once again Marwood proves that he's a skilful soloist, weaving rich melodic lines in the lovely second movement. The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra provides him with energetic accompaniment and makes this a real treat for all lovers of grand violin concertos.