Album Marks Philippe Quint's Career Milestones

Violinist Philippe Quint presents a program of four violin works. All four were written by women, and three were composed especially for Quint. Quint's personal relationship to these composers (and their works) informs his performance. And those performances are superb.

As Quint explains in the liner notes, the three commissioned works each mark an important milestone in his career. 

Lero Auerbach composed her Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 56 in 2000-2003. This was a milestone for Auerbach, too. It was her first large symphonic work to be recorded. The concerto is a fascinating blend of styles. The violin provides continuity as the work moves from one section to the next. 

The Violin Concerto of Errollyn Wallen is the newest work on the album. It was completed in 2024. It's also the first violin concerto by the composer (another milestone). Wallen's concerto is tonal and written with Quint in mind. Several themes are quotes from tunes Quint heard growing up. 

Lara Kwint composed her Rhapsody for Violin and Piano in close collaboration with her son. The violin part is full of technical challenges. But this is not a showpiece. Rather, it's a true conversation between violin and piano. And one of exceptional beauty. 

 Adoration by Florence Price concludes the album. This short, sentimental tune is charming in its simplicity. And that's how Quint performs it. He lets the music speak for itself. 

This is an album of extraordinary performances. The release is available in Dolby Atmos format. If possible, listen to it through an Atmos system. The concertos really come alive in the immersive soundfield. 

Philippe Quint, violin: Milestones
Lero Auerbach, Errollyn Wallen, Lara Kwint, Florence Price
Scottish National Orchestra; Andrew Litton, conductor
Pentatone PTC5187408