"Bruch & Tveitt" is a captivating classical album released on March 31, 2023, by the talented Norwegian violinist Ragnhild Hemsing. This album is a beautiful blend of two distinct yet complementary works: Max Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26, and Geirr Tveitt's Hardanger Fiddle Concerto No. 2, Op. 252 "3 Fjords." Accompanied by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Eivind Aadland, Hemsing delivers a mesmerizing performance that spans a total of eight tracks, with a duration of approximately one hour.
The album opens with Bruch's iconic Violin Concerto No. 1, a romantic masterpiece that showcases Hemsing's technical prowess and expressive depth. The concerto is followed by two shorter works by Bruch: "Romance for Violin and Orchestra" and "Concert Piece 'Huldra Aa'n Elland' for Violin and Orchestra." These pieces highlight Hemsing's ability to convey a wide range of emotions and styles.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Geirr Tveitt's Hardanger Fiddle Concerto No. 2, a lesser-known but equally captivating work. This concerto is inspired by the Norwegian landscape and is divided into three movements, each named after a different fjord: Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord, and Nordfjord. Hemsing's interpretation of this concerto is a testament to her versatility and her deep connection to her Norwegian roots.
"Bruch & Tveitt" is a testament to Ragnhild Hemsing's artistry and her ability to bring new life to both well-known and lesser-known classical works. The album is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the beauty of the violin and the power of classical music.