Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, still in her thirties, is in the third charmed stage of a great career.
In her first she was a child star who was announced to the world at age 13 by Herbert von Karajan as the "greatest musical prodigy since the young Yehudi Menuhin."
In stage two she was the shapely covergirl in the sleeveless gown, recording the great 19th Century chesnuts of the violin repertoire.
Stage three began with her discovery of 20th century music in general and the work of Witold Lutoslawski in particular. A lot of it can sound like the record of a nightmare: the 20th Century made music that's notorious for emptying concert halls; yet not when Anne-Sophie Mutter plays it. In her hands it is music that touches big emotions - not always to stroke or even please the ear.
But she's made it her challenge this winter to persuade listeners to join her on a journey, and they're flocking to her. Anne-Sophie Mutter - in this hour. (Hosted by Christopher Lydon)
