The Legendary Quatuor Mosaïques celebrates its 30th anniversary with a fabulous return to disc: the immense and demanding Everest of the last string quartets of Beethoven.

Beethoven’s Violin Concerto represents the supreme challenge for violinists. Far from being a virtuoso display piece, this is chamber music on a large scale, the last and greatest ‘classical’ violin concerto, giving the soloist no place to hide with a solo part that is often very exposed against sparse orchestral accompaniment. A lukewarm reception at the concerto’s premiere in 1806 led to it being forgotten until Joseph Joachim resurrected it in the 1850s and restored to its rightful position as one of the greatest and most popular concertos for the instrument. This is James Ehnes’ first recording of this concerto, and he is supported sensitively by the award winning RLPO and fellow violinist-turned-conductor, Andrew Manze. The combination of soloist, orchestra and conductor on this recording is a dream team. …

For this double album, pianist Alexandre Tharaud invited a spectacular array of guest performers to join him in paying tribute to the singer-songwriter Barbara, who died 20 years ago, in November 1997. She shares a place of honour in French song with two other ‘B’s’, Jacques Brel and Georges Brassens. Among the featured artists are three world-famous actress-singers Juliette Binoche, Vanessa Paradis and Jane Birkin.

Carlo Graziani, born in the Italian city of Asti c1710 was one of the earliest cello virtuosos. Well-travelled, he played in London with the 7-year-old Mozart in 1764 and left many sets of sonatas and several concertos for his instrument. He retired from the Prussian court in 1773, to be succeeded by Jean-Pierre Duport, but he continued to work for Friedrich Wilhelm II on a very generous pension. His sonatas provide a fascinating example of his artistry and ability: rapid passage work, double-stopping and extensive use of the upper register.

The Arod Quartet, founded just four years ago in Paris, makes its debut on Erato with an album of Mendelssohn, tracing his life through his works for string quartet. The composer has been important for the ensemble, not least by helping it win two major competitions.