A much-loved concerto is winningly brought to life
THE STRAD RECOMMENDS
The Strad Issue: November 2026
Description: A much-loved concerto is winningly brought to life
Musicians: Thomas Bowes (violin) Sinfonia Arcadiana/Nic Fallowfield
Works: Elgar: Violin Concerto; Salut d’amour, Chanson de nuit, La capricieuse, Sospiri, Chanson de matin (arr.Eleanor Alberga)
Catalogue number: RUBICON RCD1224
Elgar regarded the Violin Concerto as his best work. Huge in scope and intricate invention, it makes relentless demands on the soloist, not least in terms of stamina. The language is also subtle. Vilde Frang said she had to live with the concerto for a long time before she felt ready to commit her interpretation to disc (which she did so memorably in 2024).
Similarly, Thomas Bowes has taken his time to set down his thoughts. But this strategy has undoubtedly paid off in what is a beautifully idiomatic, elegantly considered and clearly recorded performance. He can certainly go full throttle, but equally offers intimate autumnally golden and nostalgic melodies in the Andante, and has the ideal light touch for the scampering and brilliant Allegro molto. Indeed, his impressive range of colour and dynamics is perfect for Elgar’s invention. In lesser hands, the concerto can feel discursive, but Bowes’s sure sense of ebb and flow ensures that you are engaged throughout. Nic Fallowfield also provides a superbly shaped partnership with the Sinfonia Arcadiana.
The small salon-style pieces (wonderfully reworked for violin and orchestra by Eleanor Alberga) are melodic gems, full of Elgarian fingerprints that are both pastorally English, and also European in their Romanticism. Again, Bowes is under the skin of this music, offering charmingly delivered suave melodic lines in Salut d’amour. A delightful humorous vein makes itself felt in the winning La capricieuse, with virtuosically convincing passages of tricky double-stops.
JOANNE TALBOT
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