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Amazon.co.uk Review
Here's a handy collection of popular works for violin and orchestra. The title apparently refers to the mix of warmly romantic music, like the Massenet "Méditation", and flashy virtuoso stuff, like the Sarasate Carmen Fantasy and Zigeunerweisen. Sarah Chang excels in both areas. Her Dvorák and Beethoven Romances are sweetly sung, while the insanely virtuosic Tzigane by Ravel, with its wild staccato and chordal effects, she tosses off without breaking a sweat. Except for the romanticised Bach Air from the Suite No.3, there are no stylistic transgressions, and the mix of fiery virtuoso fare and romantic slower beauties keeps interest alive throughout. Conductor Placido Domingo's proficient accompaniments don't get in her way. All the selections are familiar. Such violin virtuosi as Suk, Oistrakh, Grumiaux, Vengerov and Perlman have recorded most of them, often coming closer to capturing the inner glow of the music. But Chang's exciting performances can't fail to please, especially if you want all these favourites on one disc. --Dan Davis
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Amazon.com:
16 reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Great Sarasate
24 Dec 2002
Format:Audio CD
This recording of Carmen and Zigeunerweisen is hard to do any better. Simply great fiddle playing! Chang's vibrato and virtuosity suits this style perfectly and not many can play the page full of thirds in Carmen as well as she did it! Least successful was Beethoven and Bach. I rather prefer a more poetic mood (slower tempo) and a slightly less expansive vibrato for this kind of music. Sarah has a sometimes very broad vibrato well suited for fiery stuff but not so well suited for music that demands a certain level of sophistication. Anyway that is just my personal opinion as a violin freak. I guess the broader audience would not mind since the sound is very nice even if the vibrato is a bit out of control at times.
Thanks Sarah for yet another great recording!
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
really enjoyed it, breathtaking violin, excellent orchestra
22 Jan 2002
Format:Audio CD
Chang first recorded the Carmen fantasy as a child on her debut album accompanied by pianist Sandra Rivers. This was a sweet and faithful version, very charmingly done. However, she is older now and there is a lot of drama to this version with the Berlin Philharmonic. I actually didn't like it at first -- it seemed overly stylized, but then again I don't have the score in front of me (and couldn't actually understand it if I did!) so this may be the more faithful version. I don't know. But upon a second try, I found I liked the tension and energy and passion that Chang added to the music. Now, having listened several times, I can say that it is a lovely and stunning piece. This entire album is, in fact, full of energy and passion, bringing high drama to some very dramatic pieces. Probably the most delicate is Bach's Air, sweetly and commandingly done, demonstrating Chang's maturity and expertise. Tzigane and Dvorak's Romance are exquisite. Chills run up and down your spine, if you like "gypsy" music as I do. The Beethoven is beautifully done, without any of the sloppy stylizing that you may have heard from other violinists -- again, Chang demonstrates her mastery of her instrument and of her repertoire. My favorite is the last piece, Zigeunerweisen, with its changes in tempo and direction that could easily confound. Chang brings it all off brilliantly, and Domingo provides a fluid orchestration that never interferes with his prime purpose in showing off his soloist. Wonderfully done and a certain pleasure for anyone who knows Chang's accomplishments or someone who is looking for an intro. If you want more, don't miss her Sweet Sorrow album too, delicate and sad tunes played with an incredible heart-aching and heart-fulfilling beauty.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Fire and Ice? Fire, yes. But ? Brava Sarah! Theresa NY
22 April 2005
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
After listening to this CD by Sarah Chang I can see the Fire in all of the selections, even the "Meditiation" by Massenet. But where the Ice comes in I cannot tell. Sarah plays with such vibrance and zeal and even if you've never heard the selection before it doesn't matter. Her interpretation of "Zigeunerweisen" is the best I have ever heard. And I think Placido Domingo also does a fabulous job of conducting. All in all, this is one of the most entertaining and enjoyable CD's I own. I urge you to buy it. You won't be sorry.
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