Solo violin unfurls an evocative melody, quietly echoed by a single clarinet.
This haunting beginning is one of the most unforgettable features of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto. Thoroughly unconventional for the time, Sibelius creates an atmosphere of mystery and anticipation, his signature melancholy sound clashing with the boisterous personality of most 19th century violin concertos.
As Sibelius often did, he agonised over, withdrew and reworked this concerto. His wife called it an “embarrassment of riches” – he had too many incredible ideas. The final result is one of wonderous inspiration that just goes to show, flashiest does not equal finest.
Chief Conductor Jaime Martín leads, while our soloist is the Grammy-award-winning Canadian violinist James Ehnes – widely regarded as one of this concerto’s leading interpreters.
Finland was still part of the Russian Empire when the final version of Sibelius' Violin Concerto received its premiere in 1905. Against this backdrop Shostakovich set his cinematic Symphony No.11, a powerful tribute to the oppressed that depicts the tragic "Bloody Sunday" massacre of 1905, which led to the Russian Revolution.
Artists
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Jaime Martín
Conductor
James Ehnes
Violin
Repertoire
Sibelius
Violin Concerto
Shostakovich
Symphony No.11
