RAOUL KOCZALSKI (1885-1948): Violin Concerto In A, Op. 84, Cello Concerto in D Minor, Op. 85.

Description: Both concertos date from 1915 and MusicWeb International finds that the one for violin “revels in unbridled lyricism and easy-going warmth… Violin lyricism predominates in the central slow movement, avoiding overt virtuosity, and deft orchestration ensures expressive breadth. There is a big contrast in the Polonaise finale, the most obviously Polish of the three movements. The orchestra is prepared to take on a more sinewy role whilst the soloist reprises the songful elegance that characterises the concerto. Koczalski could not have then known Młynarski’s Second Violin Concerto, as it was written a year after his, but wasn’t performed until 1920. But maybe he knew Moszkowski’s 1883 Concerto and, perhaps a little more to the point, Karłowicz’s 1903 Concerto, which like Koczalski’s, opens with a brief orchestral statement before the soloist presents the main theme. Both concertos share a second subject of lyric simplicity and ineffable beauty.” Agnieszka Marucha (violin), Łukasz Tudzierz (cello), Lublin Philharmonic Orchestra; Wojciech Rodek.