Augustin Dumay, one of the great exemplars of the Franco-Belgian school of violinists (Ysaye, Vieuxtemps, Wienawski, Grumiaux), appears on his new recording as soloist and conductor in a concerto that is contemporaneous with the foundation of what would become known as the Franco-Belgian school.

Viotti played an important role in the early years of the movement, and his influence can be heard in Beethoven's great D major concerto of 1806, which after a less than successful premiere and years of neglect until championed by Joachim in the 1850s, is now considered one of the greatest concertos for the violin. Distinctly chamber-like in mood, the solo part is extremely challenging and exposed, with nowhere to hide, and with no overtly flashy displays of virtuosity for the soloist.

The concerto is partnered with Beethoven's compact, extrovert and high spirited 8th Symphony of 1812. Less well received than its companion of the same year, the A major 7th Symphony, Beethoven spoke of his affection for the 8th, and the music captures his boisterous humour, especially in the closing minutes of the work.

The second CD is devoted to a third facet of Dumay's artistry: chamber music. Brahms' first String Sextet sees him joined by young musician friends. Brahms commenced his chamber music for strings not with a quartet, which would have invited comparison with Beethoven, but with a sextet. The darker sounds of the additional instruments provided a richer, darker sonority that suited Brahms' complex and rich contrapuntal and tonal palate. The work's premiere was led by Joseph Joachim, the champion of Beethoven's concerto, and a great friend of Brahms and the Schumanns.