Op.8 No.8

After months of searching, I finally found a rare CD. David Oistrakh plays Sibelius Violin Concerto in D Minor. According to a violinist's recommendation, Oistrakh is the best person to play the concerto. Well, I'm more specialise in piano music therefore violin wise have to consult its specialist. My craving for classical music will never end. To me, the concerto is very romantic, virtuostic, with symphonic continuity and technical complexity. It's immersed with the aura of Finnish and Scandinavian literature. He was a true patriot who loves his country. The first version of the concerto was written in 1903, premiered in 1904. The first premiere mauled badly as the soloist was unable to bring out the dizzying, sheer technical demands of the concerto. After which, Sibelius never let the concerto to be performed again till June 1905, he revised it. The revised version was performed in October 1905, with Halir as the soloist and under the baton of R.Strauss, it was truly a great success. The revised version was more restrained, and also balanced expression, as compared to the first's more disjointed, dexterous structure.

Oistrakh really brings out the deepness, the essence, the everything of the concerto out fantastically well. Superb excellence. All of its bravura appears to arise from the motivic foundation of the music. Around midnight, I was feeling bored and brought my mp3 player downstairs. Lying down on the poolside lounge chair, with cool wind breezing pass me, I was listening to the concerto. The sky was covered with purplish pink rain clouds, revealing partial moonlight. From time to time, the moonlight was reflected on the pool. A lovely ambience to enjoy alone. The beautiful, lovely, melodious, rich tone produced by the violin, the orchestra; evaded every single thoughts from my mind. When the Adagio di molto was played, it melts my mind. It's romantic, yet, abit wistful, at the same time, a form of encouraging calmness was felt. Life, at times, should be enjoyed this way........regardless alone or shared.............

Recommended music : Jean Sibelius Violin Concerto in D Minor Op.47