Albrecht Menzel: Mendelssohn, Schumann

The Strad Issue: January 2026

Description: Two contrasting concertos, with the Schumann coming out on top

Musicians: Albrecht Menzel (violin) Leipzig Symphony Orchestra/Robbert van Steijn

Works: Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor. Schumann: Violin Concerto

Catalogue number: Naxos 8551489

It’s Albrecht Menzel’s bad luck that his Mendelssohn concerto arrives so soon after the highly individual, subtly nuanced and finely coloured recording by Johan Dalene. On any other day, Menzel’s authority, technical prowess and confident projection would make this new version if not a prime recommendation, then at least one well worth considering.

With Dalene’s fresh in the mind, though, this seems a little pale in comparison. Menzel is indubitably a first-class violinist – taught by Boris Kuschnir and a serial prizewinner – but heard alongside its recent rival his reading exudes plenty of self-assurance while just missing out on the sense of wonder both conveyed and inspired by Dalene.

Menzel’s coupling is Schumann’s ill-fated concerto – a very different beast from the Mendelssohn, introspective rather than garrulous, exploiting the violin’s lower and mid-range rather than its sparkling top. This is clearly a work close to Menzel’s heart, as revealed not only in his brief booklet note but also in playing that seems to get as close to the soul of this darkly emotional work as anyone else.

The Leipzig Symphony Orchestra accompanies faithfully under Robbert van Steijn, and the recording reports well the Mendelssohn’s clarity and the Schumann’s opacity.

DAVID THREASHER