Philippe Graffin, the violinist on this recording, is known for his interpretations of Romantic French repertoire and was a pupil of Josef Gingold, who in turn was a pupil of Eugène Ysaÿe.
Critical Reception
Florent Schmitt, a friend of Jongen, reviewed the Violin Concerto in 1938, praising it warmly and controversially suggesting it could replace Mendelssohn's and Beethoven's concertos.
Composer Biography
Jongen was a brilliant student, winning the Belgian Prix de Rome in 1897, which allowed him to study in Italy and travel extensively.
Composer Biography
Sylvio Lazzari, an Italian composer featured on this album, was a pupil of Gounod and was influenced by Franck, Chausson, and Wagner.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Richard Strauss's comments on Jongen's early symphony, written under the influence of Strauss's tone poems, were described by Jongen as 'like beams of light'.
Composer Biography
Joseph Jongen, born in Liège in 1873, was the son of a cabinet-maker and wood-carver who specialized in church furnishings and was also a keen amateur musician.
Critical Reception
Jongen's Violin Concerto was largely overlooked during his lifetime, despite being published in 1914 and dedicated to the great Belgian violinist Eugène Ysaÿe.
