Fenella Humphreys is a rising violinist who has reached the stage of recording that perennial British favorite, the Sibelius Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 47. To make an impact in that very crowded marketplace is a tall order, although Humphreys produces a distinctive Sibelius concerto that's measured and detailed rather than heroic. Consider the finale, where Humphreys, unlike so many others, observes Sibelius' "Allegro, ma non tanto" tempo marking. Does it rob the music of momentum, or allow the BBC National Orchestra ...
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Fenella Humphreys is a rising violinist who has reached the stage of recording that perennial British favorite, the Sibelius Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 47. To make an impact in that very crowded marketplace is a tall order, although Humphreys produces a distinctive Sibelius concerto that's measured and detailed rather than heroic. Consider the finale, where Humphreys, unlike so many others, observes Sibelius' "Allegro, ma non tanto" tempo marking. Does it rob the music of momentum, or allow the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and conductor George Vass to connect the work to the composer's highly detailed symphonies? Responses will vary, but even those opining in the negative must give a listen to the second part of the program, containing Sibelius' six Humoresques (properly played as a group, although they were published as sets of two and four). Sibelius lovers have wondered for years at the neglect of these works, and Humphreys' elegant readings may be the contribution that changes this. Listen...
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