There’s an attractive sense of spontaneity to this version of Elgar’s Violin Concerto, the music discussed, practised, absorbed and returned, shared, vividly communicative. Red light? What red light? Let’s just play it. And they do, very well recorded with good balance in the famed acoustic of Jesus-Christus-Kirche (February/March this year), Robin Ticciati and DSO sympathetic and vibrant partners for Vilde Frang in a broad and flexible account of tender intimacy, fiery passions, heart on sleeve, pressing ahead, drawing back – always within the spirit of the music. If there’s the odd doubt it concerns tempos in the Finale, on the fast side to open (not that it causes Frang any technical problems) and the other way, later. The ‘accompanied cadenza’ is very expressive and looks below the surface, and in the closing stages the sprinting to a majestic coda is exhilarating – the all-important oboe cutting through at 18:51 – with the ultimate chord satisfyingly sonorous. Also, with Thomas Hoppe at the piano, is Carissima, a delightful miniature, Frang suave and affectionate, Hoppe stylish. Warner Classics 2173240942.
https://www.warnerclassics.com/release/elgar-violin-concerto-2