Nielsen & Sibelius: Violin Concertos

Nominee in the Concerto category

Nominee in the Concerto category

Andrew Mellor

“The only SACD choice for this coupling, in fine performances, especially the Nielsen.”

“… Dalene has a bright but not huge tone and technique to burn, and puts a quite individual stamp on both works, always sensitive in the Nielsen and simply dancing through the upper register challenges in the Sibelius.”

“… The hybrid SACD format, as it does in other BIS recordings, gives us a lovely feature of both soloist and orchestra but does especially well in bringing out the violinist’s excellent attention to detail. This is an impressive follow up to an already successful debut and cements Dalene’s place as an artist of greatest promise.”

Editor’s Choice – Orchestral Section

“… For my money, there’s no finer coupling of these highly contrasting yet much-associated concertos on record. I suspect the individual performances could well prove superlative for many listeners, too.”

“Dalene’s supple, flexible interpretations succeed in making the pieces seem as if they were played under a gentle Nordic light… With a slender, always beautiful playing, he shows impressively that he can formulate the vocal elements out of the music in a particularly appealing way. In addition to this, the pointing out of forms and structures is not neglected. He achieves a good balance between youthful urge and mature access, so that his interpretation sounds as adult as fresh and natural. John Storgards and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra provide a self-confident musical environment that does not strain the soloist and into which Dalene can embed his part without being covered up.” *****