Unknown Violin Concerto... Please help...

[Christopher]

So does Taktakishvili write in a late romantic style? Just asking, given that he was born in 1924.  If so,I will get listening!

[Alan Howe]

It's borderline, frankly. It's not romantic throughout. Since we've solved the puzzle, I think we'll bring this thread to a close.

[Sibeliusfan]

Dear Blaine,
You were right, it is Otar Taktakishvili, the first violin concerto in f minor. Many years ago I bought a recording by Liana Issakadze with the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by the composer. Although the sleeve mentions it is the second concerto, it is actually the first, as the album dates from 1980 and Taktakishvili wrote his second violin concerto in 1985.
BUT the recording here is something special as it starts with the finale (allegro tranquillo e cantabile), then the third movement (moderato cantabile) and the short second movement (presto leggiero) before we move to the finale again, which is indeed beautiful, but so is the real opening of the concerto, omitted in this recording.
Best wishes,