Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stunning Sibelius-but Schoenberg is the revelation, 29 Mar 2008
Since her first recording of the Beethoven Violin Concerto coupled with Bernstein's Serenade, Hilary Hahn has continued to surprise with her choice of couplings. The Sibelius concerto with the Schoenberg is no exception.
The Sibelius is well established in the Violin rertoire. It has been well served with recordings by, amongst others, Heifetz, Kyung-Wha Chung, Mutter and most recently by Lisa Batiashvili. All are are prime recomendations. To this one must now add Hilary Hahn with her brilliant technique, and delightful musicality. Her phrasing is a delight to the ear. Salonen and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra's sensual accompaniment is equally well recorded. There is something fresh here even for those, like me, whose shelves are overstocked with this concerto.
However, it's the Schoenberg that's the biggest revelation. The history of this concerto is one of neglect. Heifetz, no less, complained about its unplayablilty saying it needed "a violinst with six fingers" (Schoenberg's reply was that he'd "wait"). The work has lacked a major champion since. And the few performancies I've heard left me unconvinced, even feeling allergic to it.
Until this recording, that is. In the notes, Miss Hahn expresses her enthusiasm for the piece. The love shows through in the playing. Her ravishing tone makes the Schoenberg Violin Concerto lyrical and dramatic. The twelve-tone serials (clearly explained in the booklet) that grated come across as beautiful and sensual instead of cold and analytical. For the first time, I felt moved and even charmed instead of frustrated after listening.
It's possible that the Schoenberg will never be to everyone's taste. Even if that is the case, it will never have a more persuasive advocate than Hahn. The beast that defeated even Heifetz's formidable virtuosity has finally been tamed.
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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very good Schoenberg !!!, 8 April 2008
The Concerto of Schoenberg is a rarity .There are few but fantastic recordings : Amoyal( with Boulez),Baker( with Kraft), and the first to Play it : Louis Krasner( with Mitropoulos). The difference of this magnificent record: The Orchestra and the conductor. The Orchestra is fantastic and Salonen has one enthusiasm with a work that maybe he doesn't like very much. Now lets speak of the violinist : she is amazing. She plays Schoenberg like one "normal" work. Ach , when I remember of what Heifetz said of the work.....it was impossible to him, but not for Hahn.The Sibelius has one enormous concurrence . But it is one of the best recordings that I heard, comparable with Ferras/Karajan and Kavakos/Vanka, my favorites. But what is realy important here is the Schoenberg. Finally one great record of one difficult work, to hear and to play. I would end with a word about this orchestra.By far one of the best in the moment.I want to hear more times this fantastic ensemble!!!
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3 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
A bit dull and overly sweet, 15 Jul 2008
I found her interpretation of the Sibelius violin concerto less than exciting. To be sure, she plays technically very well, but it all lacks intensity and her playing is overly lyric/romantic/sweet, which does not fit the piece at all IMO. The devilish intensity and despair that should be in the concerto at times is just not there. I can't comment on the Schoenberg - it is not to my taste (which is not Hahn's fault, to be sure, she probably produced the most accessible interpretation of this ugly beast!).
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