Philippe Graffin’s enterprise and ingenuity have been borne out in the world-premiere recording of the Violin Concerto by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (AV 0044), a disc of commissions and premieres by Lithuanian composer Vytautus Barkauskus (AV 2073), and the first recording of the original manuscript versions of Elgar’s Violin Concerto and Chausson’s Poème (AV 2091).

He proves himself an equally eminent Mozartian on his latest Avie release, a two-disc set marking his second collaboration on Avie with the leading Japanese violist Nobuko Imai. In the sprightly Sinfonia Concertante, two delightful Duos, the Third Concerto plus an Adagio and a Rondo, the multi-tasking Graffin takes on the roles of soloist, chamber musician, director, and composer of his own cadenzas. He is backed by the versatile Brabant Philharmonic Orchestra of Eindhoven, The Netherlands. The stylish packaging features another typical twist by the resourceful Graffin, who commissioned leading journalist and novelist Jessica Duchen to write a short story for the booklet, which also includes Avie’s trademark comprehensive documentation in three languages.

“Graffin plays with such vibrant character and imagination, and the whole venture radiates such a life-affirming spontaneity and joy in music-making.” – Gramophone, Editor’s Choice (Coleridge-Taylor Violin Concerto – AV 0044)

“sensuous, golden sound, quicksilver reflexes and heightened sensitivity to colour … Japanese fastidiousness with French sensuality. It’s a heady brew, caught in atmospheric sound.” – BBC Music Magazine, * * * * * (Works by Barkauskus with Nobuko Imai – AV 2073)

“Music that draws on earth and spirit: playful, profound and well performed … a beautiful disc, this” – Gramophone, Editor’s Choice (In the shade of forests: The Bohemian world of Debussy, Enescu, Ravel – AV 2059)

“that extra bit special … Graffin plays it as music so intensely personal that at times it almost hurts to speak its deeply felt language.” – Classic fM Magazine, Best of 2006 (Elgar Violin Concerto – AV 2091)