Fauré Violin Concerto, etc. (Naxos)

[Alan Howe]

Fauré's incomplete (first movement-only) Violin Concerto in D minor, Op.14 dates from 1878-9, i.e. roughly contemporaneously with Brahms' great VC. It has now been recorded by French violinist Pierre Fouchenneret with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland under Jean-Luc Tingaud, on Naxos:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9662778--faure-orchestral-works

The soloist plays with surpassingly beautiful tone and assured technique, but what really stands out is the superb support offered by conductor and orchestra. Too often in my experience Fauré's concerto torso has been played semi-apologetically; not so here.
If this is minor Fauré, it is still very lovely - and memorable throughout its near 15-minute duration. If you don't know it, try this new disc, or download the concerto for the paltry sum of £3.24. It's a performance to die for.

[Alan Howe]

Here's the whole work in this new recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLnqHxAhj3Q
(hint: sounds even better on CD!)