Violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Edward Gardner. Edward Elgar - CD Review, 19^th of May 2026

Edward Elgar - Violin Concerto, in B minor, Op. 61

Premiere album, released on the 15^th of May

BIS Records has released an exceptional new album recorded by Frank Peter Zimmermann, one of the world's most renowned violinists, whose impressive concert career is complemented by an extensive discography encompassing most of the celebrated concertos for violin and orchestra, as well as works from the chamber music repertoire.

The musician's new recording was recorded at Henry Wood Hall, with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, which has been conducted since 2021 by Edward Gardner, the ensemble's Principal Conductor. Under the baton of the distinguished 51-year-old conductor, the musicians recorded Edward Elgar's Violin Concerto, Op. 61, composed in 1910. It is a complex and profound work of great emotional intensity, qualities that are also brought to the fore in Frank Peter Zimmermann's interpretation.

In a recent interview, the violinist revealed that one of the most important recordings to have influenced his interpretation of this masterpiece is that of Yehudi Menuhin, who recorded the work as a teenager under the baton of the composer himself, Edward Elgar. Zimmermann, by contrast, began studying the concerto relatively late, at the age of 32, and has since performed it with renowned ensembles including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Basque National Orchestra, and the Berlin and London Philharmonic Orchestras. He says that his approach to the score has become increasingly serious and profound over the years, a natural development that has accompanied his artistic maturity and growing experience.

"This piece has everything a violinist could wish for. It requires a great deal of preparation, while at the same time presenting challenges for both the conductor and the orchestra because of its symphonic nature," says Frank Peter Zimmermann. He highlights the dramatic nature of the opening Allegro and the meditative spirit of the second movement, Andante. In the final movement, Allegro molto, we can admire the virtuosity, passionate interpretation and impeccable technique of the German violinist, who performs on a precious Stradivarius violin crafted in 1711.