Samuel Jones Violin Concerto (2014)

[Alan Howe]

...recently released by the Boston Modern Orchestra Project - which I noted from this appreciative review:

<<Jones' Violin Concerto was originally intended for Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg but she sustained an injury to her arm in the lead-up to its premiere in 2016; Jones was fortunate indeed that Anne Akiko Meyers was available and managed to learn the new work in just six weeks. As for the present disc Michael Ludwig makes an accomplished soloist. The initial theme is reminiscent of that which opens Korngold's wonderful concerto; it's supported by forceful yet austere accompaniment. This Andante con moto movement unfolds slowly and with pleasing inevitability, its heart-on-sleeve content unabashedly romantic and intense. Jones certainly has a way with melody which easily finds a route into the listener's memory. At the core of the movement is a modest cadenza which is challenging but eschews superficial showiness. This music may not be earth-shatteringly novel but why should it be? It is satisfying, well-made and seems sincere and heartfelt. A gently tolling bell (clearly one of this composer's favourite textures) dissipates to reveal another appealing Korngoldian idea in the central slow movement; this is developed with great care and delicacy before the bell returns to herald a more playful central section prior to the recurrence of the wistful atmosphere at the movement's core. The mood, design and style of this music might seem a tad conventional to some ears, and Jones' influences may at times seem a bit obvious, yet it's indubitably an approachable and impressively crafted piece . The finale gets going in a vivacious moto perpetuo manner. Ludwig projects a gloriously sweet tone as it unfolds. It is easy to see why the concerto was such a hit at its premiere –it holds one's attention through its coherence and memorability. Only time will tell if this continues to be the case after repeated hearings.>>
https://musicwebinternational.com/2024/03/s-jones-three-concertos-bmop-sound/

It's a most beautiful work which I heartily recommend. The toughest movement is the finale, rather in the manner of Barber, i.e. after two outstandingly lyrical and expressive movements. I took a real punt on this release on the strength of the MusicWeb review - I'm very glad that I did!
https://www.bmop.org/audio-recordings/samuel-jones-three-concertos  (CD)
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9611549--samuel-jones-three-concertos  (download)