Elgar: Violin Concerto & Violin Sonata

Immerse yourself in the rich, late-Romantic sounds of Edward Elgar with this captivating album, featuring his renowned Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 61, and the intimate Violin Sonata in E Minor, Op. 82. This recording brings together the extraordinary talents of violinist Renaud Capuçon, pianist Stephen Hough, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the distinguished conductor Sir Simon Rattle.

Capuçon's first recording with Rattle, this album showcases the distinctively passionate and nostalgic qualities of Elgar's Violin Concerto, a monumental work that demands both technical prowess and deep emotional expression. The concerto, originally composed for the famed violinist Fritz Kreisler, is performed with all the athleticism and nuance that Elgar's score requires, highlighting the exceptional synergy between Capuçon, the orchestra, and Rattle.

Complementing the concerto is Elgar's Violin Sonata in E Minor, a work of nobility and tenderness that Capuçon describes as a profound and intimate piece. This sonata, first performed in 1919, offers a more personal and reflective counterpart to the grandeur of the concerto.

Recorded at the acclaimed LSO St Luke's, this album captures the full breadth of Elgar's compositions, from the sweeping orchestral passages to the delicate intricacies of the sonata. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes, this album is a testament to the enduring appeal of Elgar's music and the brilliance of the performers involved. Released on March 5, 2021, by Warner Classics, this recording is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike.