Ženatý Ivan: Violin Concertos from the Dresden Archives - CD

The most important Czech violinist of the 18th century? The clear favourite for such a title would be František Benda. His dazzling career led him to the position of concertmaster of the court orchestra of the Prussian King Frederick II.

He was highly regarded by his contemporaries, and according to period accounts, he could often move his listeners to tears with his performance of slow movements. His influence throughout Germany was comparable to the authority of the famous Giuseppe Tartini in Italy. His own work shows clear inspiration from Vivaldi's concertos, which he knew intimately well. However, Benda's concertos are distinctive works with inventive, naturally flowing, and very impressive melodies.

At the start of the 21st century, Ivan Ženatý is a serious contender among Czech violinists for the title we have assigned to Benda for the eighteenth century. This is evidenced by his collaboration with outstanding orchestras and conductors (Baudo, Gergiev, Bělohlávek, Marriner, etc.). Benda, on this recording by Ivan Ženatý and the excellent players of the PKF, is beautifully lyrical and technically brilliant.

František Benda's virtuoso concertos reawakened in the twenty-first century

Contents: Concerto for Violin, Strings and Basso Continuo in C major, Lee II-1 Allegro Adagio Presto Concerto for Violin, Strings and Basso Continuo in B-flat major, Lee II-18 Allegro Adagio Allegro ma non molto Largo Allegro Concerto for Violin, Strings and Basso Continuo in A minor, Lee II-16 Allegretto ma non molto Affettuoso ma con spirito Vivace. Scherzando