Sibelius : Violin Concerto in d, op. 47

In the short introduction of the second movement, the leaping intervals of the violin – as though from nowhere – develop into a broad symphonic dialogue with a late-romantic inflection, which is unleashed to create an emotional climax in the 20-bar main theme of the second movement. Seemingly purposely written for the nimble fingers of the world-class violinist, David Oistrakh and the evenly matched Philadelphia Orchestra present a superbly virtuosic and powerful rendering right up to the rousing finale. As an encore we hear “The Swan Of Tuonela” sing its tender, sublime song in a substantial solo on the cor anglais.