Williams: Violin Concerto No. 2 & Selected Film Themes

This premiere recording of Williams’ 2nd Violin Concerto is a welcome change of pace from the static, ambient affects that often characterize contemporary classical music. Like many of his film-composer descendants, Williams is an expert neo-Romantic, which means that this score is full of spiky chords, big feelings, and cinematic evocations. Williams has said that the piece was written for soloist Anne-Sophie Mutter’s skill set, and the piece is indeed an effective spotlight for her big, muscular sound. The stabbing opening gestures and beautiful lines in the first movement are the highlight.