EIGHT DAYS OF SIBELIUS – DAY 5
Two concertos today.
The first is Sibelius’ lone violin concerto. As a young man, it had been the composer’s ambition to become a virtuoso violinist. Fate – and limited ability – had other plans. Fortunately, he was able to channel that creative impulse into amassing an impressive body of original music.
This recording is by the American violinist Camilla Wicks. Wicks, who was of Norwegian descent, mastered a broad range of repertoire. She enjoyed particular popularity in the Scandinavian countries for championing works by lesser-known Nordic composers.
She was one of the first female violinists to establish a major international career. Isaac Stern called her “the greatest violinist.” When questioned if he meant the greatest female violinist, he clarified, “No. The greatest.”
She also drew particular praise from Sibelius, who singled her out as his favorite interpreter of his concerto.
Wicks died on November 25, at the age of 92.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgr6zgZYviU
The second concerto is by Sibelius’ great-grandson, Lauri Porra. Porra, who trained as a cellist, plays bass guitar with the Finnish metal band Stratovarius. Get a load of this awesome electric guitar concerto.
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