These fiendishly difficult works used only to be recorded, it seemed, by great virtuosos at full price with all the trappings. Expensive! But Naxos can produce the lot at an incredibly cheap price - without any reduction in quality in any area. I must admit, Ilya Kaler was a new name on me, but he's an amazing technician, a veritable wizard of a violinist, producing staggering playing and real warmth as well. Both concertos here demand technical mastery and Kaler obliges in every repect. The Allegro spirituoso finale of No. 1 is taken a rare lick, dancing with bravura pyrotechnics and a true feel for the swagger and display of this music. Subtle it's not - but you know what to expect with this composer and, if you expect dazzling pyrotechnics, you certainly won't be disappointed here. And all that talent at such a modest price!