Sibelius/Edwards November Limelight Magazine Review
25 November 2011
'It’s hard to believe such an accomplished, distinctive Australian work only had its European premiere last year with Olding, the SSO and Ashkenazy at the Edinburgh Festival – the present disc makes a strong case for its reappraisal abroad. Ross Edwards’ 1986 concerto remains his finest work, composed when his “maninyas” style of dance rhythms, inspired by insect life in the Australian bush, was still fresh and immediately gripping.
The Adelaide Symphony imbues the hushed opening strains with subtle warmth while violinist Adele Anthony introduces delicate pizzicato, as gentle and exploratory as a cicada opening its wings for the first time. The orchestra’s crisp syncopations grow lively and buoyant throughout the movement. By contrast, the soloist’s contemplative, extended cadenza is a dazzling display of her interpretive powers: impeccable intonation and finely judged portamenti add a personal touch.
The final movement, marked “ecstatic”, basks in Edwards’ unique brand of mysticism in nature as indigenous wooden clapping sticks beat out the pulse of life and Anthony takes darting, fervent passages at a rapid pace. The Sibelius Violin Concerto is the work with which Adelaide-born Anthony won the ABC Instrumental and Vocal Competition at the age of 13. It’s a surprisingly effective coupling here: brooding and stormy where Edwards is jaunty and uplifting,but the first movement’s fluid solo introduction is beautifully balanced with the supple violin writing in Maninyas. Under Arvo Volmer the ASO is stirring and vibrant.'
Melissa Lesnie
'The Sibelius is out of this World.' Rave review of Anthony/Edwards release in American Record Guide
05 January 2012
'Anthony has terrific tone and style-mellifluous yet strong... The Sibelius (an excellent companion to the Edwards) is out of this world... It's a full five minutes longer than the Heifetz (Chicago/Hendl RCA). Anthony isn't quite as fiery, but I like her approach better - and there's still plenty...
Sibelius/Edwards November Limelight Magazine Review
25 November 2011
'It’s hard to believe such an accomplished, distinctive Australian work only had its European premiere last year with Olding, the SSO and Ashkenazy at the Edinburgh Festival – the present disc makes a strong case for its reappraisal abroad. Ross Edwards’ 1986 concerto remains his finest work, co...
Vail Valley festival violinist Gil Shaham "stuck on" 1930s music
10 August 2011
Marked by Kristallnacht, the Great Depression and the beginning of World War II , the 1930s were an unquestionably important historical decade.
But because of that turmoil or perhaps despite it, those 10 years also happen to be among the most artistically rich of the 20th century, producing...
