Maxim Vengerov - Violin Concerto in D Major / Sonata No 3 D Minor - Music & Performance - CD

Throughout history, compositions such as Johannes Brahms' Violin Concerto and Violin Sonata No. 3 have made violin soloists the equivalent of rock superstars. The tradition continues with the featured performer on this recording; in 1997, Maxim Vengerov was appointed UNICEF Ambassador for Music--his masterful technique and youthful passion create an infectious love of music among both young and old.

Vengerov and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra capture some of that charisma with their live recording of the Violin Concerto. A favorite piece for performers throughout the world, it allows a great deal of freedom for expression and improvisation--Vengerov provides his own unfixed cadenza for this performance.

Conductor Daniel Barenboim accompanies Vengerov in the Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 3, and the pairing is uncanny. In addition to his work with the Chicago Symphony, Barenboim is an internationally acclaimed pianist and chamber musician. Like Vengerov, who gave his first concert at the age of 5, Barenboim was also a child star. Having given his first concert at 7 and recording his first album at age 13, he shares the passion of a life in music. The chemistry between the two is apparent in this recording.