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Music : Schoenberg Violin Concerto Op.36/Sibelius Violin Concerto Op.47Browse or Search and Buy Online our Best Sellers Shopping Sales of Music and Schoenberg Violin Concerto Op.36/Sibelius Violin Concerto Op.47. Rating:  - Hilary Hahn Sibelius & SchoenbergExcellent CD. Sibelius is more familuar than Schoenberg, but both works are performed exceptionally well. Rating:  - An impressive Sibelius, an accessible SchoenbergThe sole violin concerto written by composer Jean Sibelius is my single favorite piece of music. I've heard several recordings of it, from Jascha Heifetz (stunning) to Maxim Vengerov (disappointing save for a rousing finale), and any new recording excites me with the possibilities. Hilary Hahn's recent recording of the Sibelius violin concerto, under the baton of Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, is nothing less than gorgeous. Her tones are pure, and she extends the slow parts, squeezing every last bit of emotion out of them. Salonen and the orchestra offer commendable support. In contrast, the violinists I've heard before this (all men, if that matters) seemed to be interested more in just hitting all the notes perfectly. Hahn opened a new door for me. The Schoenberg violin concerto paired on the disc was written using the composer's pioneering dodecaphonic (or 12-tone) technique. Schoenberg himself pronounced it "unplayable" (with pride!), but Hahn gives it the old college try and manages to draw a discernible melody out of the dissonance. This is definitely the more challenging listen of the two pieces, but repeated tries are most definitely rewarded, especially for those interested in the history of modern classical music (Schoenberg is the undisputed progenitor of such phase, so I'm reserving judgment until I can get my head around it properly with a few listens. Also, I have no frame of reference, never having heard it before. Twenty years ago, Salonen led violinist Cho-Liang Lin in a recording of the Sibelius violin concerto (paired with the violin concerto of Sibelius's fellow countryman Carl Nielsen) that has since become a classic. I have no doubt that this Hahn performance will achieve an equal level of respect over time. Rating: - A Mastery for ModernFor some odd reason I never quite payed the deserved attention to Hilary Hahn's career before hearing this truly stunning recording. I was stuck in the image of Hahn as a "child prodigy" and not the fully seasoned veteran she has blossomed to be at now age 29 this year. In her latest effort here, it is glaring apparent how this fine musician has matured to the full measure to become one of our generations finest violinists. Schoenberg's sole violin concerto is something like a Ravel's Gaspard de la nuit for violinists - a pinnacle piece only attempted by the fully-matured virtuoso. In this strange yet alluring modern work, Hilary Hahn shows she stands among the finer of today's concerto violinists. She seems to have a well-studied approach and striking resonance for this music - as does the Swedish Radio Symphony orchestra - as she navigates the chromatic nuances, fascinating textures and daunting technical gauntlets of this unique score. As much as I don't quite connect with composers like Schoenberg (yet at least), Ms. Hahn's astonishing virtuosity, intellectual maturity and beautiful synchronicity with the orchestra came across as a special event and pulled me into this otherly musical world. It would be a performance to definitely see in person. . Jean Sibelius is considered the greatest symphonist since Brahms and the latter's influece for romantic ardour is heard in his sole violin concerto. Along with the symphonies, Sibelius's 1905 violin concerto is one of the most important works in Finnish music legecy. In spite of being somewhat of a failed violin virtuoso, Silelius gave us here a masterwork full of magnificant violin moments. The mid-movement candenza in the great first movement is a unique touch. Hahn approaches this hallmark piece with great mastery and beautiful tone. Her clarity and precision, as in the Schoenberg, is impeccable and deeply admirable. The sound quality is very good and brings out the fullness of these works. Rightfully so, this weighty recording was nominated for two Grammys - and helped propel this marvelous musician into the coveted "Gramphone Artist of the Year" award in 2008. Compositions - 4.5; Performance - 5; Sound qaulity - 4.5. Rating:  - The greatest Schoenberg - a bland SibeliusI was not a fan of Schoenberg's violin concerto until I heard Hahn's version. She plays with astonishing technique, and Salonen is the right conductor for the job. The excellent audio quality also helped quite a bit. Personally, I would never consider another recording of the piece after listening to this one - it made me see music in it, whether previously I had only heard math. Bravo. The Sibelius, however, was to me extremely disappointing. Both Hahn and Salonen are cold and detached. I felt her playing completely lacked in passion and imagination - it's as if she didn't care for the piece. The third movement displays her fantastic technique, but the first two are almost painful to listen to, since they murder and bury all the passion and feeling in Sibelius' score. To me, there is no greater version than Christian Ferras', who plays it with the despair of a madman, and rightfully so. Rating: - Great job HilaryThe Sibelius violin concerto has been a favourite of mine for many years. I first encountered Hilary playing this concerto on YouTube. That performance showed good clarity and technical proficiency, but for me lacked the full potential of a more mature and emotional performance. This recording however delivers a depth of emotion that for me brings the concerto alive. I purchased this album based upon my love of the concerto and because of my appreciation for an extremely gifted violinist. Hilary has delivered a very satisfying recording of both concertos. Whether you are familary with either concertos or not, I highly recommend this album. As a point of interst it would be nice to hear her tackle Sibelius's original score. |