Album: Mozart, Violin Concertos/Sinfonia Concertante (Deutsche Grammophon)

Graceful, dynamic and surprising, Giuliano Carmignola's collaboration with Claudio Abbado and the Orchestra Mozart is a must-have recording.

Carmignola's slightly abrasive, peppery tone lends these often over-sweet works an heroic, Beethovenian quality. The G major Concerto is pure vitality, while the A major Concerto moves from "sprezzatura" to melancholy elegance to hayseed rusticity to "ziguener" fire. Joined by viola player Danusha Waskiewicz, the second disc ends with "Sinfonia Concertante". The orchestral accompaniment is magnificent throughout.

Pick of the Album: Carmignola and Waskiewicz's 'Allegro maestoso'