Mozart/Scott and Lara St. John/The Knights
Mozart/Scott and Lara St. John/The Knights
Violinists Lara and Scott St. John present a new Mozart recording on Lara's Ancalagon Records. The siblings St. John share the spotlight in three of the composer's violin concerti. The focal point of the album is Mozart's monumental Sinfonia Concertante, the last and greatest of his string concerti (K. 364). This piece is rarely recorded, especially in its original form with viola in scordatura. Scott St. John takes up the viola to join his sister on the recording, making this the first time the Sinfonia Concertante has ever been recorded by siblings. The remainder of the album lets each St. John take center stage. Violin Concerto No. 1 (K. 207) is led by Scott, and Lara has the solo voice in Violin Concerto No. 3 (K. 216) The innovative New York-based ensemble The Knights accompany the pair on all the works (also led by the sibling-act of conductor Eric Jacobsen and concertmaster Colin Jacobsen).
TRACK LISTINGS:
1. SINFONIA CONCERTANTE FOR VIOLIN AND VIOLA IN E-FLAT MAJOR, K. 364: I. ALLEGRO MAESTOSO(12:58)
2. SINFONIA CONCERTANTE FOR VIOLIN AND VIOLA IN E-FLAT MAJOR, K. 364: II. ANDANTE(10:22)
3. SINFONIA CONCERTANTE FOR VIOLIN AND VIOLA IN E-FLAT MAJOR, K. 364: III. PRESTO(6:16)
4. VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1 IN B-FLAT MAJOR, K. 207: I. ALLEGRO MODERATO(7:48)
5. VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1 IN B-FLAT MAJOR, K. 207: II. ADAGIO(6:43)
6. VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1 IN B-FLAT MAJOR, K. 207: III. PRESTO(5:31)
7. VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 3 IN G MAJOR, K. 216: I. ALLEGRO(8:38)
8. VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 3 IN G MAJOR, K. 216: II. ADAGIO(8:23)
9. VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 3 IN G MAJOR, K. 216: III. RONDEAU, ALLEGRO(6:18)
"The slow andante of the Sinfonia Concertante is gorgeous. Lara St. John says she and her brother Scott have always encouraged one another and that collaborative nature comes through beautifully in this double concerto."
It's Alive, Minnesota Public Radio, November 16, 2010
"The kind of stylistic and technical unity you would expect from gifted siblings is definitely here, and it is clear that the St Johns know this piece inside out."
American Record Guide, November - December, 2010
"There's a fresh energy that feels as if they had just happened upon the scores for the first time, and were really getting off on reading through them. Very daring, and it never sounds contrived."
Gramophone Magazine - The Awards Issue, November, 2010
"The pair play together so naturally that while there remains the requisite musical tension, there is none of the jarring of different tones that can occur in double concertos. "
The National, Abu Dhabi, October 20, 2010
"This is superior music making on all levels."
Audiophile Audition, October 1, 2010
"Splendid performances throughout, and the rich sound is perfectly balanced."
Classical CD Review, September, 2010
"I simply can't imagine a more satisfying recording of this glorious work."
The Wholenote, September 2010
"This is a match made in heaven. Together, these gifted young musicians have made a flawless recording..."
Strings Magazine, September 11, 2010
"Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante has enjoyed many inspired pairings, but none sharing the passion, empathy and genetics of the St. Johns."
All About Jazz, August 17, 2010
"This is consistently stylish and individual Mozart playing from the engaging St. John siblings, and a disc that all Mozartians will enjoy."
The Classical Review, August 16, 2010
"Teaming up for Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante, Lara and Scott St. John deliver an intimate, animated rendition, rounded out by the exceptionally polished Knights."
The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 8, 2010
"The playing by both soloists is of the utmost refinement and grace, even proceeding through the movements at as spirited a pace as they do."
Classical Candor, August 5, 2010