Elgar, Violin Concerto

‘a towering performance of Elgar’s Violin Concerto ... a performance of exceptional detail.’ The Sunday Telegraph

"Commissioned by Fritz Kreisler, Elgar wrote his only violin concerto in the middle of his career. It is a work full of longing and regret and requires a superb technique and great sensitivity to perform. German violinist Thomas Zehetmair chooses to interpret the concerto in a performance that is in turn raw and gutsy, impassioned and delicate. His playing in the extreme higher registers is searing. This is a blazing and masterly performance. The orchestra, led by Lyn Fletcher (how refreshing to have the concertmaster named on a CD!), provides a supportive accompaniment that is noble and dramatic. The recording is bookended by fine performances of the Prelude to The Kingdom and the Prelude and Angel’s Farewell from The Dream of Gerontius, played with grace and distinction by the Hallé Orchestra under the direction of Sir Mark Elder." AUSTA, Stringendo, Volume 46  Number 2