Robert Schumann; Felix Mendelssohn - Violin Concertos (Albrecht Menzel)

Information

Composer: Robert Schumann; Felix Mendelssohn

• Mendelssohn - Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64
• Schumann - Violin Concerto in D Minor, WoO 1

Albrecht Menzel, violin

Leipziger Symphonieorchester

Robbert van Steijn, conductor

Date: 2025

Label: Naxos

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Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, written over a long collaboration with violinist Ferdinand David, became an immediate triumph at its premiere. Its lyrical themes and structural innovations have secured its place as one of the most cherished concertos in the repertoire. In contrast, Robert Schumann’s Violin Concerto, marked by a troubled history and a darker emotional landscape, offers a revealing portrait of the composer’s inner struggles. Soloist Albrecht Menzel views the work as a journey through Schumann’s psyche, moving from profound anguish to moments of uplifting exhilaration.

Albrecht Menzel (born 1992) is a German violinist praised for technical precision, emotional depth and stylistic authenticity. Beginning violin at four, he later studied with Boris Kuschnir and went on to win the Grand Prix at the International Lipiński Competition and top prizes at the Premio Paganini. Menzel performs widely as a soloist with major orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Munich Radio Orchestra and Teatro Carlo Felice, collaborating with conductors such as Kurt Masur and Vasily Petrenko. He has appeared in leading venues including the Elbphilharmonie and Vienna Musikverein. He performs on the 1709 Lady Hallé/Ernst Stradivari violin.