EIF 26: Vilde Frang & Friends

Violinist Vilde Frang leads a superb ensemble of classical and folk musicians in a programme of works inspired by Hungarian traditional music

Join these first-class musicians led by the ‘powerful and dynamic’ (BBC Music Magazine) violinist Vilde Frang, celebrating music from Johannes Brahms and Béla Bartók. Her fellow performers include pianist Martin Helmchen – of whom the New York Times wrote, ‘his playing made sparks fly’ – and musicians from the award-winning folk band Söndorgő.

Béla Bartók wrote his tumultuous First Violin Sonata for Hungarian violinist Jelly d’Arányi. It was rapturously received at its 1922 London premiere – with the composer at the keyboard. The soulful slow movement is especially beautiful, while the dance-infused finale is thrillingly virtuosic.

Also on the programme are inventive arrangements of Hungarian folk dances by Bartók and Johannes Brahms. Bartók’s are based on melodies that he collected on rural research trips, while Brahms’s are among his most playful and joyous compositions. 

Presented by Edinburgh International Festival