Reinhard Goebel’s idea of bringing forgotten works from Beethoven’s circle back into the repertoire has proven to be one of the unexpected benefits of the Beethoven anniversary year. The Viennese violin virtuoso Franz Joseph Clement, for example, had previously been known almost exclusively through Beethoven’s witty dedication in the Violin Concerto, Op. 61: “par Clemenza pour Clement.” In his two large-scale violin concertos, however, the composer—ten years Beethoven’s junior—emerges as a serious and compelling creative voice. These works receive utterly convincing performances from the outstanding Mirijam Contzen and the WDR Symphony Orchestra under Reinhard Goebel, who approach the music with the seriousness it deserves, illuminating every nuance.
— Michael Stegemann
Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik (German Record Critics’ Award), Best List 02/2020
Franz Joseph Clement: Violin Concertos No. 1 in D major & No. 2 in D minor/D major
Mirijam Contzen, WDR Symphony Orchestra, Reinhard Goebel