Stravinsky, Honegger, Martin: Violin Concertos – review

The Latvian violinist Baiba Skride (b.1981) won the Queen Elisabeth competition a decade ago , but her name is still fairly unfamiliar here. These crisp, supple performances deserve to change that. Stravinsky's Violin Concerto sounds strong, spiky and taut, yet lyrical. Frank Martin's lean but expressive 1951 concerto has a wistful, evanescent mood, in part inspired by the Swiss composer's fascination with Shakespeare's The Tempest . The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, well drilled by Thierry Fischer, give muscular support and enjoy themselves in Honegger's Rugby (inspired by the game) and Pacific 231 – which prompted the composer's doubtful claim that he loved locomotives as others loved women.