Released on Hänssler Classic, the album includes Dvořák's Violin Concerto in A Minor, Romance Op. 11 in F Minor, and Mazurek Op. 49 in E Minor

Released on Hänssler Classic, the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra alongside chief conductor Daniel Raiskin and violinist Mikhail Pochekin, present their new album featuring Dvořák's Violin Concerto in A Minor, Romance Op. 11 in F Minor and Mazurek Op. 49 in E Minor.

The Czech Republic celebrates its “Year of Czech Music“ in 2024. It’s a year filled with the anniversaries of several important composers, among them Antonín Dvořák, who passed away 120 years ago. All works for violin and orchestra by the Czech composer were recorded in this album.

"I consider Dvořák's Violin Concerto to be unique, and it occupies a very special place among all of the violin concertos of this period," Mikhail Pochekin. "Behind its creation lies a very unusual story. The composition dates back to 1879, but its premiere did not take place until 1883, exactly four years later. The reason for this was that the concerto was dedicated to Joseph Joachim, who repeatedly requested a number of changes in the piece.

The story subsequently ended in such a way that Joachim, despite the changes and his years of collaboration with Dvořák, ignored the piece when it was completed, leaving it to be premiered instead by Czech violinist František Ondříček."

To purchase and listen to the album, click here.

Violinist Mikhail Pochekin and Conductor Daniel Raiskin discuss the new album below