SIBELIUS Violin Concerto, Karelia Suite, Finlandia, Valse triste, Andante festive, Valse lyrique, The Swan of Tuonela – Jennifer Pike with Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Andrew Davis

Jennifer Pike shot to fame in 2002 when she became the youngest ever winner of the prestigious BBC Young Musician of the Year at the tender age of 12. Since then she has studied at the Guildhall and Oxford University and released numerous recordings including a world premiere of Schulz violin concerto by the contemporary Australian composer.

I know the Sibelius concerto well, having been given a recording featuring eminent South Korean Dong-Suk Kang as a young violinist myself. Pike to my ear has the exact right style for the Finnish composer’s only full length concerto – a somewhat sinuous tone which slides and glides wrought with passion over the full range of the violin. The tricky nature of the concerto is neither made to sound too easy nor strained, rather I was left in awe at her technique and poise. 

The violin enters on a shimmering carpet of strings, beautifully balanced (to the point of disappearing). The beginning of this first movement feels like the calm before the storm, and Pike’s tone initially very much matches the tone of the orchestra. Soon, however, Sibelius develops things in a more agitated direction, leading to the tuneful and interactive cadenza between violin and orchestra. The slow movement features the woodwind and horns interspersing with the solo violin. Although the key is B flat major there is throughout an ominous presence, emphasised by the heavy bass line and the pulsing strings. Pike’s playing in this movement has an urgency and commitment which truly makes her stand out as the violinist of her generation. In the bouncy final movement, once compared to ‘a polonaise for polar bears’, the orchestra feels expertly guided by Sir Andrew Davis, leading into a glorious rendition of the triumphant melody.

A selection of Sibelius’ orchestral works form the rest of the Super Audio CD. Most of these are familiar jolly works full of brass fanfares and soaring string sounds, although there are also calmer treats such as the beautiful Swan of Tuonela (cor anglais Hege Sellevåg, cello Jonathan Aasgard) and the moving Andante festivo scored for string orchestra and timpani. It seems a shame Jennifer Pike is not featured any further, but the Bergen Philharmonic certainly make the recording their own with these tracks and enjoy the warmth and tonality of Sibelius.

Words: Katie Lodge