"Friedrich Gulda’s lively and imaginative Concerto for Violin and Wind Orchestra is an amusing mix of yodelling themes, pop music, Viennese sounds, swing, funk and free jazz, all in a great big band sound. This concerto was originally composed for cello, but the violin version has been recorded here. It’s not a work that will make music history, but a testimony to the experimental and unconventional Friedrich Gulda that is well worth hearing.

On the other hand, Kurt Weill’s Concerto for Violin and Wind Orchestra is more artistic and serious, a work that, despite its originality, has never found its way into the repertoire.

Benjamin Schmid proves to be the ideal interpreter of both works, always finding the right tone and mood. Schmid’s playing is first-rate. The Salzburg Wind Philharmonic under Hansjörg Angerer is also outstanding, demonstrating its skills especially in the Weill concerto. "

Pizzicato Magazine 3/2025