Ellinor D’Melon: Lalo, Tchaikovsky

The Strad Issue: May 2023

Description: A young violinist makes a notable impression in a crowded arena

Musicians: Ellinor D’Melon (violin) RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra/Jaime Martín

Works: Lalo: Symphonie espagnole op.21. Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D major op.35

Catalogue number: RUBICON RCD1106

After establishing her technical credentials in the exposition, violinist Ellinor D’Melon shows her personality in the development, with touches of rubato and dynamic flexibility, and again in the cadenza, played with flair and continuity of line. She is lyrical as much as extrovert, but she can be a showman when Tchaikovsky calls for one, particularly in the finale, played with strength and élan.

D’Melon produces mighty playing in the opening Allegro non troppo of Lalo’s Symphonie espagnole, with vibrant sound on the G string (du talon indeed!) matched by a pliant expression in the dolce espressivo melody. She brings a coquettish phrasing to the Scherzando second movement, although her tone remains full-blooded and a tad unyielding. In the Intermezzo she is gentle and musing, with nice contrasts between her D and G string playing and a subtle rhythmic freedom against the steady underlay of pizzicato cellos; the Andante impresses too, with a firm-toned beauty. In the finale she she exploits to the full its shifting moods, outgoing one moment, quicksilver the next. Jaime Martín and the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra are sensitive partners and the recorded sound is warm, with the violin to the fore.

TIM HOMFRAY