Beethoven and Beyond

July 2023
Maria Dueñas, at just 20 years old, makes a striking DG debut with “Beethoven and Beyond,” showcasing her gleaming and heavily vibrato-laden tone, along with a proudly legato delivery and phrasing filled with captivating little emphases. The highlight of the album is her highly individual and memorable rendition of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, recorded live over three Vienna Musikverein performances.

Dueñas’ interpretation of the Beethoven Violin Concerto is undeniably Romantic in every sense, but it’s cleverly balanced by the slightly crisper and noble-flavored orchestral support provided by her mentor, Manfred Honeck. Honeck’s guidance keeps a tight hold on the momentum of the first movement, skillfully navigating through marked slowings for the super-hushed minor-key episodes and coda re-entry. Particularly noteworthy is how Honeck allows the bassoonist to shine through the orchestral texture, adding an extra layer of brilliance to the performance. While this rendition may not suit those seeking a more brisk and energetic approach, its finely balanced nature will enchant listeners with its emotional depth.

Adding a unique touch to the concerto, Dueñas showcases her talent as a composer by providing three brand new self-penned cadenzas. These bold and languorously romantic creations add a fresh perspective to the familiar piece, with the finale’s cadenza being the most striking of the trio. Dueñas’ creativity and artistic expression shine through these compositions, demonstrating her prowess not only as a performer but also as a gifted composer.

The album continues with a selection of short works by composers who also wrote first-movement cadenzas for Beethoven’s concerto. These pieces play brilliantly to Dueñas’ warm-blooded virtuosity, further highlighting her exceptional skill on the violin. However, it is worth mentioning that a missed opportunity occurs by not programming each work alongside its respective composer’s Beethoven cadenza. This could have offered a unique variation and provided insights into how these composers translated their musical languages into Beethoven’s concerto. Nonetheless, the album’s overall impact remains powerful and captivating.

Maria Dueñas’ “Beethoven and Beyond” is an impressive debut album, where her remarkable talent and artistry shine brightly. Her interpretation of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto is highly individual and emotionally charged, enriched by the excellent orchestral support from Manfred Honeck. The addition of her self-composed cadenzas adds a personal touch to the iconic concerto, showcasing her versatility as a musician. While the missed opportunity in programming the short works alongside their respective cadenzas is notable, the album still packs a punch and leaves a lasting impression. Maria Dueñas undoubtedly has a promising future ahead as both a performer and composer in the classical music world.