Fire and flair from a young Spanish phenomenon
The Strad Issue: November 2026
Description: Fire and flair from a young Spanish phenomenon
Musicians: María Dueñas (violin) Itamar Golan (piano) Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela/Gustavo Dudamel
Works: Korngold: Violin Concerto. Lalo: Symphonie espagnole; works by Debussy and Ponce
Catalogue number: DG 4867487
Granada’s gift to the violin scene, María Dueñas, calls her latest album Homage to Heifetz. After nine years on the circuit, I wouldn’t have thought she needed to call the great Jascha to her aid, even if he has been her role model since childhood.
In one respect I prefer her Symphonie espagnole to Heifetz’s two versions – she includes the Intermezzo. Dudamel and his young orchestra introduce all five movements well. The first is dramatic and Dueñas plays the violin’s fanfare with real flair. She reveals a hint of vulnerability as well as a Spanish sensibility, even if she perhaps emphasises the G string too much.
In the Scherzando Dueñas’s playing is full of interest and lovely tone; and the Intermezzo gets a superb rendering as she finds light and shade amid the virtuosity. The brooding Andante has Dueñas playing with terrific intensity and in the Rondo her lightness is delectable.
The Korngold concerto has always been a problem for me but the nature of the conundrum has changed – I’m still under the spell of Vilde Frang, the only soloist who has convinced me in this work. Dueñas starts the Moderato nobile confidingly and is well in control technically. After a beautiful introduction by Dudamel, she makes a real song out of the Romance’s main theme. The tawdry finale is not saved by her (or Heifetz’s) ministrations, but her rhythm is good and she soars nicely.
In the pieces by Debussy and Ponce I wanted a greater simplicity, but this album is recommended for the Lalo and passing delights elsewhere.
TULLY POTTER
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