Julian Rachlin stuns as both violinist and conductor in Vienna's Musikverein
A recent performance by violinist Julian Rachlin left audiences spellbound at the Wiener Musikverein. Playing Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto without a conductor, he channeled the rich tradition of Soviet-Jewish masters like David Oistrach and Leonid Kogan. The evening also featured Rachlin leading the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana in a fiery rendition of Mendelssohn's Scottish Symphony.
The concert began with Rachlin offering two encores before the main programme: Kreisler's Liebesleid and Liebesfreud. His playing carried a lush, Eastern European warmth that set the tone for the evening.
For Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto, Rachlin performed without a conductor, guiding the orchestra with his expressive phrasing and rubato. His tone was slender yet vibrant, and his slow tempos drew out the music's emotional depth. The audience responded with such enthusiasm that they demanded another encore—a Bach sarabande—before intermission.
The concerto's finale, though monumental in scale, lacked the razor-sharp precision some might expect. Still, Rachlin's interpretation remained deeply compelling. His conducting mentor, the late Mariss Jansons, had once warned him against taking up the baton, arguing that few soloists excel as conductors. Yet Rachlin's leadership in the second half proved otherwise.
After the break, he led the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana in Mendelssohn's Scottish Symphony. His conducting was energetic and full of contrasts, pulling rich dynamics from the players. The performance crackled with intensity, drawing comparisons to the electrifying style of Teodor Currentzis.
Rachlin's dual role as soloist and conductor showcased his versatility and deep musicality. The evening's programme, blending intimate encores with large-scale symphonic power, left a lasting impression. His next appearance at the Wiener Musikverein is already scheduled for March 2026 with the same orchestra.
