Eivind Buene: Violin Concerto & Miniatures

Following his 2001 disc of works by Arne Nordheim, Norwegian violinist Peter Herresthal and BIS have collaborated on the project ’A String of Releases’ – recordings of contemporary violin concertos, in several cases written especially for Herresthal. Featured composers so far have been Olav Anton Thommessen, Henrik Hellstenius and Ørjan Matre – all from Norway – as well as Thomas Adès and Per Nørgård. Utterly fearless in his approach to these complex works, Herresthal has received recognition for his recordings, earning a Spellemannprisen (the ‘Norwegian Grammy’) as well as being shortlisted for a Gramophone Award.

The latest additions to Herresthal’s ‘string’ are two digital-only albums, featuring the composers Rolf Wallin (BIS-8019) and Eivind Buene (b. 1973). Composed for Herresthal, the three movements of Buene’s Violin Concerto are each scored for a different combination of chamber orchestral forces. With suggestive individual titles – Falling Angels, Sound Asleep and Among Voices – they can be played separately, but together they form a haunting triptych of melancholy and memory. Supporting Herresthal in the concert are conductor Øyvind Bjorå and the Arctic Philharmonic Sinfonietta, who open this digital album with Buene’s piece Miniatures. With a combined duration of less than 10 minutes, the six movements live up to the title as they each explore a single aspect or idea.