Vilde Frang - Prokofiev & Sibelius: Violin Concertos (2009)

Norwegian-born violinist Vilde Frang makes her solo recording debut with Prokofiev's first Violin Concerto and Sibelius' Violin Concerto, plus three of the Finnish composer's Humoresques for violin and piano. With her sweet tone, fluent technique, and soulful interpretations, Frang's performances can stand comparison to many of the great recorded performances of the past. She digs in deep in Sibelius' outer movements and dispatches their manifold difficulties with apparent ease. Better yet is her ardent account of the central Adagio di molto, which sings with tremendous passion. Best of all is her open-hearted reading of Prokofiev's concerto, particularly her ineffably moving take on the final bars of its closing Moderato. Ably accompanied by conductor Thomas Søndergård leading the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln, Frang's recording should be heard by anyone who treasures these pieces or enjoys hearing fresh performances of works from the standard repertoire. Frang's playing of Sibelius' rarely recorded three Humoresques is a pure delight. -- James Leonard