Ginastera – Bernstein – Moussa: Works for Violin and Orchestra

Andrew Wan, the acclaimed violinist, presents a captivating collection of works for violin and orchestra with his album "Ginastera – Bernstein – Moussa: Works for Violin and Orchestra." Released on October 23, 2020, under the Groupe Analekta, Inc. label, this classical album spans a total of 1 hour and 17 minutes, featuring 20 tracks that showcase the virtuosity and expressive range of Wan's violin playing.

The album opens with Alberto Ginastera's Violin Concerto, Op. 30, a piece commissioned by the New York Philharmonic for its opening season at Lincoln Center in 1962-1963. This concerto is a tour de force, divided into eleven movements that explore various technical and expressive aspects of violin playing. Each movement is a study in itself, ranging from the intricate "Cadenza" to the ethereal "Harmonics" and the otherworldly "Quarter tones."

Following Ginastera's concerto, the album presents Leonard Bernstein's Serenade for Solo Violin, Strings, Harp, and Percussion, inspired by Plato's Symposium. This five-movement work delves into the philosophical and emotional depths of love and desire, with each movement named after a different speaker from Plato's dialogue.

The album concludes with a violin concerto by the contemporary composer Marc-André Dalbavie, titled "Adrano." This four-movement work is a testament to the ongoing evolution of the violin concerto genre, with its intricate rhythms and harmonies pushing the boundaries of traditional classical music.

Throughout the album, Andrew Wan is accompanied by the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, conducted by Kent Nagano. Their collaboration results in a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply expressive, showcasing the full range of the violin's capabilities. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the enduring power of the violin concerto.