Beethoven: Violin Concerto/Augustin Dumay

Classic FM Drive Featured Album, 18 May 2015, after 6pm

Augustin Dumay follows in the great tradition of Franco-Belgian violinists, which can be traced back to such legendary figures as Eugène Ysaÿe, Henri Vieuxtemps, and Arthur Grumiaux.

Here he tackles one of the war horses of the violin repertoire, dating from that period: the Beethoven concerto, with its extremely challenging and exposed solo part. It's never flashy but it's certainly demanding, and Dumay acquits himself very well indeed.

Also included is Beethoven's spirited Eighth Symphony of 1812. Dumay brings out all of Beethoven's humour, especially in the work's concluding moments. 

A second album is given over to chamber music. Brahms' first String Sextet sees Dumay joined by young collaborators, delving deep into the work's dark textures and moods.