Violinist captures Elgar's essence

PAAVO JARVI AND THE CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA; Debussy, "Prelude a l'Apres-Midi d'un Faune," "Nocturnes," "La Mer," "Berceuse Heroique" (Telarc) ***

Edward Elgar's violin concerto has never found a permanent place in repertoires. Despite the fact that his concerto contains some of his most hauntingly beautiful writing, it isn't as immediately appealing as the violin concertos of Beethoven, Brahms and Tchaikovsky.

There is a heavier, darker side to Elgar's work that sets it apart from the others. It's unforgiving in its content and, as such, difficult to come to terms with for both the soloist and listeners.

Few violinists can play the Elgar concerto the way that Hilary Hahn does on her latest CD. She gives a stunning performance that is dynamic and impassioned. Hahn captures the essence of the music — its secrets, as it were. The music is introspective, with weariness and longing coursing throughout, and Hahn brilliantly brings out all of this with her sensitive and perceptive interpretation.

For this recording Hahn is paired with conductor Colin Davis and his London Symphony Orchestra. Davis is the supreme interpreter of Elgar's music. Both he and Hahn are consummate artists, and together they bring a thoughtfulness and sincerity to their performance that is indeed rare.

This is in many ways the definitive recording of the Elgar, and a must for any collector.

• PAAVO JARVI, since assuming the music directorship of the Cincinnati Symphony in 2001, has been a prolific recording artist. He has released some half-dozen CDs on the Telarc label, some of which have been more satisfying artistically than others.

His most recent album contains some of Claude Debussy's most popular orchestral works. It is also one of Jarvi's most rewarding.

Debussy's music obviously suits his temperament, and that is reflected in his thoughtful, sensitive and well-conceived readings here.

The "Prelude a l'Apres-Midi d'un Faune" is lush, languid and seamless in its long lines. Principal flutist Randolph Bowman gives a shimmering performance, and the entire piece is played radiantly.

"Nocturnes" and "La Mer" are both played vibrantly. The performances that Jarvi elicits from his orchestra are colorful and dynamic, yet also wonderfully subtle.

E-mail: ereichel@desnews.com