Bach, Bologne, Previn, Vivaldi, Williams

Autobiographical threads run through this hugely enjoyable album, recorded live in Vienna’s famous Musikverein to mark Anne-Sophie Mutter’s 60th birthday. The sense of celebration, not only of the German violinist’s anniversary but also of the outstanding young talents in her ensemble Mutter’s Virtuosi, permeates performances filled with joy. Mutter’s legendary ability to command the stage finds an ideal outlet in Bach’s Violin Concerto in A Minor and again in Joseph Bologne’s supremely elegant Violin Concerto in A Major. André Previn’s Nonet, which he wrote in 2014 for Mutter (his ex-wife), draws out the heartfelt artistry of Mutter’s Virtuosi as do the two encore pieces specially arranged for them by John Williams, crowned by a haunting performance of the Theme from Schindler’s List.