This afternoon I listened to a recording by violinist Nikolaj Znaider, and I was totally delighted with his performance of the Beethoven Violin Concerto. Later I learned from my DVD booklet that he was born in Copenhagen, and he studied with a pupil of the legendary David Oistrakh.
Mr. Znaider has total control of his instrument. His tone is warm and very pleasing. His technique is tasteful, and he avoids unattractive slides to higher positions. He is capable of achieving wonderful pianissimos, and expressive Fortes.
Znaider is not only celebrated as one of the foremost violinists of today, but is fast becoming one of the most versatile artists of his generation uniting his talents as soloist, conductor and chamber musician.
Znaider’s recording of the Beethoven and Mendelssohn Concertos were each followed by a solo sonata by Bach as an encore, and these continued to display this violinist’s sensitivity and fine musicianship.
Nikolaj Znaider plays the “Kreisler” Guarnerius “del Gesu” 1741, on extended loan to him by The Royal Danish Theater through the generosity of the Velux Foundations and the Knud Højgaard Foundation.
Here is the Beethoven concerto that I was listening to. You will surely enjoy it…
