Benjamin Britten and Vilde Frang

Listening this evening was Benjamin Britten's violin concerto (1938-9). A work that was overlooked or dismissed for decades, but has recently — and deservedly — come into its own. A great pity Britten did not pursue that line of composition and produce more violin concertos, rather than dabbling around with works starring Peter Pears. Star violinist this evening was the wonderful Vilde Frang, one of those who has adopted the work; she recently apparently reduced many in the audience at the Barbican in London to tears with her performance with the LSO. On record this evening, I cannot imagine a better performance (Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by James Gaffigan).