Elgar, Bruch: Violin Concertos

Description

Rachel Barton Pine's first recording of Elgar's Violin Concerto and Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1 probes the works' Romantic qualities with her rich and soulful interpretations, matched by Grammy Award-winning conductor Andrew Litton and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Billboard chart-topping violinist Rachel Barton Pine releases her 36th album and fourth for AVIE with her first recordings of two repertory staples, violin concertos by Edward Elgar and Max Bruch. The two works – Elgar's only concerto for violin and Bruch's first – straddle the turn of the 20th century but have in common a Romantic hue which Rachel probes with her rich, soulful tone.

The album is dedicated to 'the memory of a musical hero and generous friend, Sir Neville Marriner,' who was to have reunited with Rachel on this album. She was fortunate to work with him on the scores, with Sir Neville vividly relating accounts of his teacher Billy Reed, former leader of the London Symphony Orchestra, who collaborated with Elgar on the creation of his violin concerto. Grammy Award-winning conductor Andrew Litton brings his own Romantic pedigree to the recording, as does the BBC Symphony Orchestra and celebrated producer Andrew Keener who himself has overseen award winning versions of the Elgar and Bruch concertos.

Critical Acclaim for Rachel Barton Pine

"Pine's interpretation [of the Elgar] is as emotionally satisfying as it is dazzling … the [Bruch] performance is wholly persuasive … The outer movements abound with snap and spice … The recorded sound is glorious" Gramophone

"very impressive … accomplished and fresh-faced … technically infallible … an impassioned approach that involves the listener" 4 Stars --Classical Source

"Pine's playing is forthrightly passionate … ebullient playing and a sense of high engagement … She captures the dramatic character of the conclusion with assurance and with beautiful control...With Rachel Barton Pine in such inspiring form, I certainly have no hesitation in recommending this release" --MusicWeb

'Rachel Barton Pine makes Paganini's music sing … for a thought-provokingly poetic take on these inscrutable miniatures, Pine has no rivals.' – BBC Music Magazine, * * * * * / * * * * * (on Bel Canto Paganini: 24 Caprices and other works for solo violin, AV2374)

'Playing that feels entirely at the service of Bach's profound music, but in the best possible way: a powerful and personal performance of these masterpieces for solo violin.' – Gramophone, Editor's Choice (on Testament: Complete Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin by J. S. Bach, AV 2360)

'Poise and precision … This is a delightful set, beautifully performed and presented … another major addition to Pine's impressive discography' – MusicWeb International, Recording of the Month (on Mozart Complete Violin Concertos and Sinfonia Concertante, AV2317)