New Zealand violinist Geneva Lewis, formerly a BBC New Generation Artist, has released her Delos recording debut featuring an exclusively American repertoire. Accompanied by fellow New Zealander Gemma New conducting the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the album is marked by palpable empathy and musical precision.
The recording opens with Samuel Barber’s violin concerto, which Lewis and New interpret with an airy, poetic sensibility. They highlight the work’s lyrical pastoral qualities while drawing attention to the scotch snap rhythm in the opening movement. The orchestra seizes upon the persistent Celtic motif, driving toward a moto perpetuo finale that evokes the spirit of a highland fling.
Lewis’s performance is distinguished by a warm, feeling-rich tone. Her playing aches with emotion during the allegro and andante movements, shifting to a feisty, folk-inflected character in the concluding section, demonstrating both technical mastery and deep emotional connection to the music.
I’m skeptical about an all-American program conducted by a New Zealander with a Scottish orchestra. Interesting choices here.
Does anyone else find the Celtic motif overpowering in the finale? It distracted me from Lewis’s solo.
Wait, is this really her label debut? I’ve followed her BBC days, but this recording sounds like a major breakthrough.
Finally, a fresh take on Barber’s concerto that prioritizes poetry over sheer virtuosity. Truly moving.