Akiko Suwanai - Sibelius & Walton: Violin Concertos (2003) [SACD]

“Suwanai’s Sibelius was as evocative as it could have been. With a rare ability to combine precision and long-bowed resonance, Suwanai is an obvious match for this serious work...hers was a performance that reached deep into the heart of the music.” (The Scotsman, October 2011)

The full orchestra assembled for the evening’s centrepiece, Bruch’s Violin Concerto No 1 in G minor. Akiko Suwanai, a tall, imposing violinist of striking stage presence, raised her bow for a sombre, intense descent of notes at the start: this was big-boned, noble playing, with its rhythmic life taut and rigorous. Long-sighted phrasing gave an equal sense of wide tracts of space and time in the slow movement. The strength of every idea was beautifully placed and poised before a finale thrilling in its perfection of pitch and pacing. “ (The Times, May 2011)

“Seeing such a talented young violinist play this, the last of Mozart’s five authentic violin concertos, with such an instrument was pure joy. As Akiko took her lead from the Maestro, her great skill and lyricism went in perfect partnership with the Philharmonia, who allowed her to articulate the themes of Mozart’s work with a maturity seldom seem in one so young.” (Gazette, April 2011)

Akiko Suwanai, violin
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo, conductor