John Corigliano's Violin Concerto grew out of his film score for "The Red Violin," initially a 17-minute concert work based on existing film elements, which he later expanded into a full concerto.
Performer Biography
Elina Vähälä, the violinist on this recording, made her orchestral debut at age twelve with the Lahti Symphony Orchestra and was later chosen as its 'Young Master Soloist' by conductor Osmo Vänskä.
Recording & Production
This Hybrid SACD recording uses a 5.0 Surround sound configuration, aiming to reproduce the natural sound of a concert venue with all five channels recorded using the full frequency range and no separate bass channel.
Compositional Technique
In the final movement of John Corigliano's Violin Concerto, the violin and orchestral strings are instructed to press so hard on their strings that there is no pitch, only a percussive 'crunch' sound.
Composer Biography
Jaakko Kuusisto, the composer and conductor on this album, is one of Finland's most versatile musicians, active as a violinist, conductor, and composer, often combining playing and conducting in his performances.
Composer's Artistic Vision
John Corigliano's Violin Concerto was composed as an attempt to write a piece his father, John Corigliano Sr. (a great solo violinist and leader of the New York Philharmonic), would have loved to play.
