David Dalle
Thursday February 21st, 2013 with David Dalle
Violin concertos of Magnus Lindberg and Peteris Vasks

Today's show is anchored by three incredible pieces for the violin, 2 recent violin concertos, and the astonishing double violin of Shankar. Starting with the violin concerto of Finn Magnus Lindberg from 2006. This piece is being performed by the NAC Orchestra tonight and Friday as part of a terrific program also featuring Arvo Part and Sibelius's 3rd symphony. More information at: http://nac-cna.ca/en/orchestra/event/2380 The 2nd work is a violin concerto for violins and string orchestra by Latvian composer Peteris Vasks entitled "Distant Light" from 1997. It is an extraordinary work suffused with haunting melancholy and riven by impassioned solo cadenzas. So moving when I first heard it, I had to listen to it immediately a 2nd time. Violinist and conductor John Storgards will be conducting the NAC Orchestra in tonight's and Friday's concerts. The 3rd work is entitled "Eternal Light", an Indian classical piece by violinist Shankar featuring his own invention, the double electric violin. He also sings in this performance of Raga Kiravani, but once the singing ends, his violin really takes over and becomes a masterpiece of increasing tension, building to fierce heights and bringing the rapt listener along. It is magic.