The Bohrer family produced a succession of distinguished musicians of whom the brothers Antoine, a violinist who studied with Rodolphe Kreutzer in Paris, and cellist Max were the most eminent. Their string quartet promoted Beethoven’s works and was much admired by Berlioz, who praised Antoine. They co-composed several works including the imposing Grande Symphonie militaire included here, boldly virtuosic and laced with memorable themes. Antoine Bohrer’s Violin Concerto in E minor shares elements familiar from Paganini and is enhanced by Antoine’s sense of lyricism. Max’s Cello Concerto no.1, though economically scored, shows how quickly the cello had progressed as a solo instrument in the early 19th century.

Violinist Friedemann Eichhorn’s Naxos recordings of Pierre Rode’s violin concertos with conductor Nicolás Pasquet have received high critical praise. ‘Friedemann Eichhorn deserves much credit and gratitude for having taken on a project that no other violinist has been willing to touch, and to acquit himself with such glory in works that test the player to the limits. What amazes me about these performances is not that Eichhorn manages to play all of the notes at tempo, in time, and in tune, but that he does so with exceptional beauty of tone’ (Fanfare on 8573474).

He has also recorded Friedrich Valentin Hermann’s violin works on 8572066. This album also contained works by Johann Paul Eichhorn where the violinist is joined by the cellist on the current album, Alexander Hülshoff. Of this album: ‘Naxos’ vividly recorded (close, with a minimum of obscuring reverberation) programme should appeal to those who delight in surfing the violin’s repertoire, to those who enjoy this kind of predominantly lightweight fare, and to those who simply wish to be astonished. Strongly recommended to them, but generally recommended to everyone else as well’ (Fanfare).

Eichhorn and Hülshoff also star in a violin-cello disc of music by Servais and other French works on 8572188; this won a Fanfare Want List accolade: ‘Hülshoff and Eichhorn brilliantly capture this notion with their impeccable sense of balance, pristine and polished intonation… Their performance together is one that listeners will undoubtedly enjoy for both technical and musical merits’ (AllMusic.com).