Janine Jansen and the Concertgebouw Orchestra in Beethoven's Violin Concerto

Janine Jansen

Janine Jansen is one of the very best violinists in the world. Even a timeless classic like the Beethoven Violin Concerto sounds fresh and new in her hands. This melodious and sometimes dreamy work is the perfect classical counterpart to Toru Takemitsu’s Dreamtime: subtle, atmospheric music that builds bridges between East and West, and between ancient and modern performance traditions. The spiritually charged Dreamtime is inspired by Australian Aboriginal mythology: strange sound effects recreate the images, often so realistic, that come to us in dreams. With this work by his compatriot, the Japanese conductor Kazuki Yamada makes his Concertgebouw Orchestra debut.

Roussel

Roussel’s Bacchus et Ariane Suite No. 2 also begins with a dream, but gives way to a feast of bold timbres and energetic rhythms. Although Roussel was overshadowed by his illustrious contemporaries Debussy and Ravel, this ballet music became a well-loved staple of the repertoire. The music harks back to classical themes and forms, but with the asperity and rhythms of the modern age. The work culminates in the concluding Bacchanale: it’s wonderful to hear, see and (for the orchestra) play.