Though the notion of a disc of violin encores may seem like a holdover from an earlier era that prized a performer's flash above taste, the idea is given new life in this 2008 Virgin release by French violinist Renaud Capuçon. Best known for his work with pianist Martha Argerich, the serious Capuçon might seem to some an unlikely candidate for a disc of flamboyant encores. But Capuçon is not a typical, serious violinist nor are these typical, flamboyant encores. Here, Capuçon has included favorites like Kreisler's Liebeslied and Dinicu's Hora staccato along with rarities like Stravinsky's Russian Song and Szymanowski's Roxanna's Song and so cannot be accused of sticking with safe standard repertoire. But whether the work is tried and true or fresh and new, Capuçon's playing makes it all sound vital and vivid. His phrasing in Schubert's Ave Maria floats the melody like a singer, his rhythm in Dvorák's Slavonic Dance drives the tempo like a dancer, and his effortless virtuosity in Poldini's Poupée valsante matches the finest players of the past. Best of all, Capuçon always sounds like himself and no one else. His combination of focused vibrato, smooth register shifts, and burning energy is wholly unique, and whether the work is familiar or unfamiliar, Capuçon makes it his own. Accompanied with sympathy by pianist Jérôme Ducros and recorded in detailed digital sound by Virgin, Capuçon's performances may thrill even jaded violin fans. ~ James Leonard, All Music Guide
