In the last decade of his life Bloch concentrated to great effect on solo and chamber music for strings. The two solo suites for violin are typical of his late style – intensely chromatic but with a strong sense of tonality. They reflect something of the violinistic idiom of his one-time teacher, Ysaÿe. Fabrizio von Arx plays them with fine, ringing tone and a sure grasp of the character of each movement.

The Bloch can be recommended, but the Bruch and Sarasate are not competitive. Apart from one or two uncomfortable moments in the ‘Gypsy Dance’ section of the Carmen Fantasy, Arx is master of the notes; but close balance gives prominence to some effortful, over-emphatic playing and to an occasional lack of rhythmic precision. The orchestral sound is foggy and not particularly well balanced. Compared to Litton’s Bergen orchestra, boasting excellent internal balance and well-projected solos, the orchestral playing appears to lack character. Gluzman, with a smoother style, also appears to have a better idea of the concerto’s continuity.