Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto; String Octet CD review – thrilling intensity

Liza Ferschtman (violin), Het Gelders Orkest/Bakels(Challenge)Oh, not another Mendelssohn violin concerto recording, I hear you cry. Well, yes, but wait: this one is worth exploring. These Dutch musicians treat the piece as a chamber work, the cut-down forces of the Het Gelders Orkest giving light and airy support to Liza Ferschtman’s carefully judged, singing solo line. It works beautifully, particularly in the dancing central andante. Ferschtman changes gear for the Octet, Op 20, driving