Violin Concerto 'Concentric Paths'

Thomas Adès' Violin Concerto 'Concentric Paths' is a significant addition to the violin concerto repertoire since Ligeti. It is composed of three contrasting movements, each linked by a preoccupation with circling musical figures. The concerto explores passacaglia-like sequences and peaks in a lyrical outpouring of exceptional beauty. The way it swirls ethereally in the first movement, exerts a tragic and vice-like grip in the second part, and propels you into the uninhibited flight of the finale is like being spun into an infinite space.

Format: Sheet music
Length: 68 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2023
Publisher: Faber Music Ltd

One of the most significant contributions to the violin concerto repertoire since Ligeti's is Thomas Adès' Violin Concerto 'Concentric Paths,' which was composed in 2005. The concerto, which is titled 'Concentric Paths,' is now included in the standard repertoire and is cast in three distinct movements, each of which is connected by a preoccupation with circling musical figures. The concerto, which is 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)

Weight: 1540g
Dimension: 311 x 232 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571541881