Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Christian Li, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra & Vasily Petrenko

• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893): Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act III:
• 1 Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act III: No. 20a, Danse russe. Moderato 04:39
• The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a:
• 2 Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: III. Waltz of the Flowers (Arr. Campbell for Violin & Orchestra) 05:16
• Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35:
• 3 Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35: I. Allegro moderato 18:32
• 4 Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35: II. Canzonetta. Andante 06:34
• 5 Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35: III. Finale. Allegro vivacissimo 10:35
• 6 Pieces, Op. 51:
• 6 Tchaikovsky: 6 Pieces, Op. 51: No. 6, Valse sentimentale (Arr. Peinado for Violin & Piano) 02:31
• Valse-scherzo, Op. 34 (Version for Violin & Piano):
• 7 Tchaikovsky: Valse-scherzo, Op. 34: 05:48
• 6 Pieces, Op. 19:
• 8 Tchaikovsky: 6 Pieces, Op. 19: No. 4, Nocturne. Andante sentimentale (Transcr. Langley for Violin & Piano) 03:27
• Total Runtime 57:22

Info for Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto

At just 17 years old, Christian Li has already achieved remarkable milestones. He gained international acclaim as the youngest-ever winner of the Menuhin Competition in 2018, and the video of his debut single on Decca, Bazzini’s La ronde des Lutins, garnered millions of views online. Footage of him directing the ensemble barefoot whilst recording Winter from The Four Seasons went viral, showcasing incredible maturity beyond his years. Limelight has lauded his “astonishing technical control and virtuosic flair,” but it is his deep emotional connection to the music that truly sets him apart. Li’s debut album topped the UK Classical Charts in 2021, and following the success of his second album, Discovering Mendelssohn, his latest project—featuring Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto—marks a significant step in his artistic evolution.

The album centres on Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major, a cornerstone of the Romantic violin repertoire known for its demands on stamina, technical virtuosity, and warm melodic lyricism. Christian recorded the concerto with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Vasily Petrenko. Their collaboration, recorded just one day after their first live performance together when Christian was just 15, imbues the music with vibrant freshness and immediacy.

Christian says, “I fell in love with Tchaikovsky’s music when I was very young, particularly with his ballets. My fascination began after watching The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty. When I was around 11 years old, my violin teacher gave me a book about Tchaikovsky, which captivated me with stories of his life and intricacies of his personality – sensitive, sentimental, conflicted, and a perfectionist. As I listened to and later played his works, I strived to understand and convey the delicate complexity of emotions he so beautifully expressed. Today it’s an absolute dream come true to present my third album featuring one of my favourite works: Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Recording this piece with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under the masterful baton of Vasily Petrenko has been one of the most extraordinary experiences in my life. I’m also extremely happy to be sharing two fantastic transcriptions of Nocturne op. 19 no 4 and Valse Sentimentale along with a new arrangement of The Waltz of the Flowers which holds a special place in my heart – I love its graceful charm and hope it brings you the same joy, inspiring you to dance and spin along with its captivating melodies.”

Tchaikovsky composed his Violin Concerto in 1878 during a retreat in Clarens, Switzerland, following the collapse of his short-lived marriage. Inspired by violinist Iosef Kotek, a former student and close companion, he completed the work in just a month, channelling his renewed sense of joy and incorporating echoes of Russian folk music.

Christian’s album complements the concerto with selections inspired by its dance-like elements, including pieces from Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, and a new arrangement of Waltz of the Flowers. Other highlights include the poignant Valse sentimentale, the lively Valse-Scherzo, and the haunting Nocturne. Reflecting on the album’s closing piece, Christian says, “The Nocturne has the same depth as the Valse sentimentale. Its final, high-register note decays so beautifully—it’s very sad but incredibly moving.”

This album is Christian’s most ambitious project yet, showcasing his technical prowess and emotional maturity. He performs on the 1737 ex-Paulsen Guarneri del Gesù violin, generously loaned to him, and continues his studies with Dr. Robin Wilson at the Yehudi Menuhin School and receives mentorship from David Takeno.

Christian Li signed to Decca when he was just 12 years old. Now 17, this album represents a ‘coming of age’ moment for the young violinist as he records Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. With the winning combination of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and their Conductor Laureate, Vasily Petrenko, the album includes several transcriptions of popular Tchaikovsky works, arranged for violin and piano or string ensemble. “Whatever he touches, this young violinist emerges as an extraordinary wunderkind.” (BBC Music Magazine)

Christian Li, violin
Nicola Eimer, piano (track 6, 7, 8)
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Vasily Petrenko, conductor
Jascha von der Goltz, conductor (track 1, 2)

Christian Li
Born in Melbourne in 2007, Christian Li first picked up a violin aged five. He captured international attention in 2018 when he became the youngest-ever winner of the Menuhin Competition, winning the joint Junior 1st Prize in Geneva where he play-conducted a movement of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Performing with the Geneva Chamber Orchestra, he also received the Audience Prize and the Composer Award.

Soon after, in 2020, Christian became the youngest artist to sign with Decca Classics. His debut album featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons accompanied by works for violin and piano by Bazzini, Kreisler, Massenet and Li Zilli was released in August 2021 gathering five-star reviews. BBC Music Magazine wrote: “He brings thrilling virtuosity and myriad colours to Vivaldi’s fast movements and an exquisitely silky cantabile sound to the aria-like slow movements”.

In concerts, Christian made a series of acclaimed debuts including with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, as well as gave recitals in Israel, Norway and the UK. Currently he is featured as Young Artist in Association with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for a period of three years during which he performs a range of concertos, chamber music and recitals. In recent and upcoming season he also makes several orchestral debuts including with Auckland Philharmonia in New Zealand, Oslo Philharmonic in Norway, Gavle Symphony in Sweden, Aalborg Symphony in Denmark, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic in the UK.

Christian performs on the 1737 ex-Paulsen Guarneri del Gesù violin, on loan from a generous benefactor and uses a bow by François Peccatte. He currently studies with Dr. Robin Wilson at the Yehudi Menuhin School in London and enjoys reading, swimming and bike riding in his free time.

This album contains no booklet.