For the Record, Op. 154: Vadim Gluzman's Beethoven/Schnittke; Alina Ibragimova's Paganini; Dallas String Quartet

By Laurie Niles: Welcome to "For the Record," Violinist.com's weekly roundup of new releases of recordings by violinists, violists, cellists and other classical musicians. We hope it helps you keep track of your favorite artists, as well as find some new ones to add to your listening!Violin Concertos: Beethoven and Schnittke 3Vadim Gluzman, violinLucerne Symphony Orchestra, James Gaffigan conducting

The Beethoven Violin Concerto is considered one of the greatest violin concertos, and for this recording, violinist Vadim Gluzman has chosen to use lesser-heard cadenzas by 20th century Soviet/German composer Alfred Schnittke. These cadenzas, which quote from violin concertos across the centuries including Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Ysaye, Schoenberg, Berg, and Schnittke himself - link the work to the other piece on the recording: Schnittke's Concerto No. 3 for violin and chamber orchestra. Check next week for our Violinist.com interview with Vadim. BELOW: Vadim Gluzman talks about recording the Beethoven and Schnittke Violin Concertos.

Paganini: 24 CapricesAlina Ibragimova, violin

Paganini's 24 Caprices, which he dedicated "to the artists," continue to present arguably the ultimate challenge for violinists in terms of overcoming technical difficulty to create music with easy-seeming virtuosity. Russian-British violinist Alina Ibragimova looks for the freedom within these works: "It's very satisfying and it always feels like freedom is welcome. Your personal freedom in what you choose to do with this music is actually not only welcome but is encouraged. It's what makes this music come to life. As a player, as a violinist what more could you possibly ask for?" BELOW: a "mini-taster" of excerpts from the album:

SaborDallas String QuartetJesús Molina, piano

Dallas String Quartet has teamed up with the internationally renowned jazz pianist Jesús Molina for a spicy, original single entitled "Sabor." Delivering a Latin twist and spicy keys from Molina (of Colombia), the artists combine their flair for modern, upbeat arrangements while also serving up an exceptional dose of heat, rhythm and flavor. BELOW: "Sabor":

If you have a new recording you would like us to consider for inclusion in our Thursday "For the Record" feature, please e-mail Editor Laurie Niles. Be sure to include the name of your album, a link to it and a short description of what it includes.You might also like:

• For the Record, Op. 153: James Ehnes' Ysaÿe: Boulanger Legacy; Ensemble Diderot
• For the Record, Op. 152: Augustin Hadelich's Bach Sonatas and Partitas
• For the Record, Op. 151: Juilliard String Quartet first recording with Areta Zhulla; Elizabeth Chang