Violin Concerto

Thomas Ades's Violin Concerto, written in 2005, is one of the most important additions to the violin concerto repertoire since Ligeti's. Cast in three contrasting movements - each linked by a preoccupation with circling musical figures - the concerto, subtitled 'Concentric Paths' now occupies a place in standard repertoire. Two lithe, rhythmically driven movements - 'Rings' and 'Rounds' - bookend 'Paths' an intensely emotional and gritty exploration of passacaglia-like sequences which peaks in a lyrical outpouring of exceptional beauty. 'In just 20 minutes, this three-movement piece does something magical. The way it swirls ethereally in the first movement, exerts a tragic and vice-like grip in the chaconne-like second part and finally propels you into the uninhibited flight of the finale is like being spun into an infinite space.' The Guardian (Tom Service)