Janine Jansen, renowned for her captivating performances, returns with her first concerto album in nine years, presenting a compelling pairing of two iconic violin concertos: Jean Sibelius' Violin Concerto in D Minor, Op. 47, and Sergei Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major, Op. 19. This album, released on June 7, 2024, under Decca Music Group Ltd., is a testament to Jansen's artistry and her ability to breathe new life into well-loved classics.
The album opens with Sibelius' profound and atmospheric Violin Concerto, where Jansen's violin rises from the orchestra's hushed pulses, creating an immersive experience. The concerto's three movements—Allegro moderato, Adagio di molto, and Allegro, ma non tanto—showcase Jansen's technical prowess and emotional depth. Following this, Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1 offers a different intensity, with Jansen and conductor Klaus Mäkelä crafting a spellbinding, storytelling atmosphere through the Andantino, Scherzo. Vivacissimo, and Moderato movements.
The album concludes with "Water Drops," JS 216, a delicate and evocative piece that highlights Jansen's versatility. Throughout the 55-minute duration, Jansen's collaboration with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra results in performances that are both fresh and captivating, making this album a standout in the classical music landscape.
Vinylscout