“This sequence of unashamed Sibelius classics
deserves the success it is sure to receive. Aged only 24,
Jennifer Pike has an unwavering command of the Concerto and a
keen grasp of its elemental power. The long climax that closes
the first movement is driven by both Pike and Davis with
inexorable momentum. The first theme of the slow movement is
played is a huge melodic outpouring, richly vibrant at the lower
end with subtle but telling portamentos. Pike finds a range of
colours across the violin’s register and lovingly voices her
double-stops, no matter what the speed. Her gliding harmonics in
the finale are both pristinely in tune and deftly elided… a
gutsy and mature reading. A disk with popular appeal and
unquestionable substance.