The Strad Recommends: Antje Weithaas: Dvořák

THE STRAD RECOMMENDS

The Strad Issue: November 2025

Description: An exceptional violinist shows her versatility to magical effect

Musicians: Antje Weithaas (violin) Camerata Bern

Works: Dvořák: Violin Concerto; Serenade for Strings

Catalogue number: AVI AVI4867795

Antje Weithaas takes the opening movement of Dvořák’s Violin Concerto at a brisk tempo, with the first statement firmly delineated, the second a tad freer, all splendidly colourful and vibrant. There is even a hint of the heroic as the movement progresses, from which she switches on the instant to flexible, lyrical warmth, alluring and captivating.

Her tone in the second-movement Adagio is veiled, the mood intimate and confessional, with fluent and expressive arabesque passagework, alive with touches of rubato. The exuberant, dancing Finale is propelled by close observance to dynamics and accents and characterised by crystalline clarity. She has a splendid time with Dvořák’s little outburst of contrapuntal multiple stopping.

Weithaas moves to the leader’s chair for Dvořák’s String Serenade. The first-movement Moderato is rich and amiable, underpinned by a sense of compulsion. The Tempo di valse has sophisticated poise, its charm understated, leaving emotional room for the outbursts of drama in the Trio, and the following Scherzo clips along before heading into its gemütlich heart.

There is beautiful cello playing among the intimacies of the Larghetto, and the theme in thirds in the Finale goes with a swing. The recording is warm and clear.

TIM HOMFRAY