Aleksey Igudesman might reasonably be described as a modern day Victor Borge. With his cabaret partner, Hyung-ki Joo, he has toured concert halls all over the world, wringing all that is humorous out of classical music with just the basic tools of violin and piano.

“In my Garden 1” shows Igudesman in another light, that of violin teacher, providing excellent material for younger violin students. Each piece depicts a fruit or vegetable to be found growing in the garden and includes a short poe...