ALEXANDER CAMPBELL MACKENZIE (1847-1935): Violin Concerto in C Sharp Minor, Op. 32, Pibroch: Suite for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 42.

Description: Mackenzie's concerto of 1884-85, written with Joachim in mind, ended up being premiered by Sarasate. In traditional three-movement form, the work is closer to Bruch than to the virtuoso Wieniawski or Vieuxtemps concertos with a dark, brooding opening movement, a lyrical center and a finale based on the Polish krakowiak. Written expressly for Sarasate four years later, the Pibroch fantasy is a close cousin to Bruch's Scottish Fantasy. In three sections, Rhapsody, Caprice and Dance, the pieces quotes and elaborates on Scottish songs in its last two movements while the initial rhapsody features quasi-improvisational writing for the soloist of great freedom. Malcolm Stewart (violin), Royal Scottish National Orchestra; Vernon Handley, David Davies (Pibroch). Original 1998 Hyperion release.