<<  -- 5 --  Howard Smith    PIVOTAL OCCASION

In two CDs from Black Box this rapturously-praised soloist has become an invaluable advocate for Sir Edward Elgar (himself a violinist) and today, for the first time, all of the composer's recital music for violin is readily available in definitive performances. Even more, with the Almaty concert in mind, Bisengaliev commissioned former Edmund Rubbra pupil, Christopher Polyblank, to adapt the Polonaise in D minor and Elgar's charming lightweight Valse for violin and orchestra. So Almaty was fortunate to witness world premières of these welcome additions to British violin literature.

Marat Bisengaliev is one of the few performers of our time producing a truly 'Russian' sound; the irreplaceable hallmark of legendary Moscow-trained performers from an earlier generation. While there are notable exceptions to the emerging pattern, today's standard sound is frequently an international timbre; even among many young performers who studied with America's émigré pedagogues.

Another uncommon attribute periodically evident to the Almaty audience; here they had a soloist capable of scaling a pianissimo to the slenderest thread, while ensuring it was heard with moving, crystal clarity at the most distant rear exits.

Russia's masterly violinists were noted for their consistency; so David Oistrakh and his contemporaries were rarely heard having an off-day. So it is with Bisengaliev; he invariably presents dazzling or moving performances; or, better still, recitals which magically combine the two.

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