Sibelius - Violin Concerto in D minor, Op.47

Gramophone Award; Penguin Guide 3 stars.

This album features Sibelius's *Violin Concerto*, including the original 1903/04 version and the revised 1905 version, performed by Leonidas Kavakos with the Lahti Symphony Orchestra under Osmo Vänskä. The original version, which remained unpublished until this recording, is a rare insight into Sibelius's creative process, showcasing a more virtuosic and dramatic approach compared to the final version. Kavakos’s interpretation highlights the raw intensity and lyrical beauty of both versions, offering listeners a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of this iconic concerto.