Janine Jansen delivers a captivating performance in this 2015 release, featuring two monumental works for violin and orchestra: Johannes Brahms' Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77, and Béla Bartók's Violin Concerto No. 1, Sz. 36. Recorded live with the Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia under the baton of Antonio Pappano in Rome and the London Symphony Orchestra in London, this album showcases Jansen's extraordinary technical prowess and expressive depth.
The Brahms concerto, recorded in February 2015, opens with a mesmerizing Allegro non troppo, followed by a deeply moving Adagio and a spirited Allegro giocoso. Jansen's interpretation is nuanced and vivid, bringing out the rich harmonies and lyrical melodies of Brahms' score. The Bartók concerto, recorded in August 2014, presents a stark contrast with its modernist idiom and rhythmic complexity. Jansen navigates the demanding passages with aplomb, capturing the work's dramatic intensity and rhythmic drive.
Throughout the album, Jansen's violin sings with a voice that is both powerful and tender, making this a compelling listen for classical music enthusiasts. The recording quality is superb, allowing the listener to appreciate the full range of the violin and the orchestral textures. This album is a testament to Jansen's artistry and her ability to breathe new life into these well-loved concertos.