These two fine concertos deserve to be better known. They belong to that splendid school of 20th-century neo-classicism that gave us similar works by Walton,...

These two fine concertos deserve to be better known. They belong to that splendid school of 20th-century neo-classicism that gave us similar works by Walton, Barber, Britten, Prokofiev, and their kindred spirits. Both works feature attractive, tuneful ideas spiked with enough dissonance to keep things interesting, but without a single gratuitously harsh moment. The Violin Concerto has two large movements full of contrasting ideas, but holds together quite well despite its episodic construction. In contrast, the Cello Concerto's moderate/fast/slow sequence brings to mind Walton's contribution to the medium. Both works are very well performed. Maria Kliegel, always reliable in her work for Naxos, plays the music with admirable confidence, while violinist Karen Gomyo takes her concerto's lyricism and virtuosity easily in stride. The orchestra plays well, and Petter Sundkvist conducts with gusto. An excellent disc all around.--David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com