Encompassing his first collaboration to his last, this four- album collection celebrates Joseph Swensen’s tenure as Principal Conductor of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (1996–2005). Swensen combines his role as conductor and soloist in acclaimed recordings of popular concertos by Mendelssohn, Brahms, Dvorák and Prokofiev. Written within a hundred years of each other these concertos not only provide Swensen with the opportunity to display his mastery of formidable technical demands, but also demonstrate each composer’s individual expressive and melodic expertise. Swensen’s dual role as both conductor and soloist creates a special collaboration with the musicians of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, who remain acutely attuned to his intentions. In addition they perform a wonderful selection of orchestral music together to complement the concertos: Brahms’ Hungarian Dances, Dvorák’s Nocturne for string orchestra and Czech Suite, Mendelssohn’s Fingal’s Cave and ‘Scottish’ Symphony, plus Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1 and his Five Melodies (orchestrated by Swensen for solo violin and orchestra).

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Excerpts of reviews for some of the previously released titles included in this set:

Brahms: Violin Concerto & Hungarian Dances


This remarkable performance of the Brahms Violin Concerto stands among the finest available--indeed, it's just about perfect, and all the more remarkable coming from a soloist who also (at least nominally) conducts. As a conductor in the Hungarian Dances Swensen proves himself no less adept.

– ClassicsToday

Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No 2, Symphony No 1


The Classical Symphony is marvelous: exceptionally paced, exquisitely phrased by the violins in the slow movement, effervescent in the finale, texturally pellucid, with characterful wind playing. In a word, it's perfect. The Violin Concerto thrills me less as a piece, but not this performance, which in its shaping and poise reminds me of Milstein's, only with much better playing and sonics.

– ClassicsToday

Dvorak: Violin Concerto, Czech Suite, Etc

Both the Nocturne and the Waltz Op. 54 No. 1 come off splendidly, and as usual LINN's sonics are superb whether in stereo or multi-channel formats. In sum, there's a great deal here to enjoy, and I applaud Swensen's independence and well-thought-out approach.

– ClassicsToday