A virtuoso of legendary renown, Maxim Vengerov is acclaimed as a musician of the highest order. Following a prodigious debut at the age of five, he has enjoyed a successful career throughout the world and, over the past quarter-century, has been internationally celebrated as a violinist, teacher and conductor. 

His return to Wigmore Hall in April 2012 will be remembered as one of the great landmarks of the London concert season, as he performed cornerstones of the violin repertoire to a sold-out Hall, confirming his reputation as one of the world’s most dynamic artists. With a warm, rich tone, he created a personal and intimate atmosphere from the very beginning of Bach’s Partita No. 2 in D minor, which opened the recital. Playful and searching, his soulful outpourings and refined expression resonated deeply though every movement. 

Vengerov was joined by recital partner Itamar Golan for a fiery and adventurous performance of Beethoven’s grand ‘Kreuzer’ sonata. With an energetic approach, this shining rendition presented both musicians as equal partners in the magnificent masterwork, their ensemble fresh and conversational throughout. 

The blazing passion is almost tangible in the two encores, Scherzo-Tarantella by Wienawski and Hungarian Dance No. 1 by Brahms, as Vengerov’s true virtuosity was fully unleashed to awe-inspiring effect. Marking his much anticipated return to the performance platform, this recording is an absolute ‘must-have’. 

‘…this was formidable music-making in which scale and prowess blended to produce edge-of-your-seat excitement.’ The Guardian 

‘…power and passion, humour, lightness and grace, brilliant virtuosity and deep musicianship all played their part to create a miraculous procession of musical jewels.’ Slipped Disc