Customer Reviews

The Essential Joshua Bell

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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The 28 tracks on this double CD are taken from the back catalogue of albums by American violinist Joshua Bell.

The range of styles, from the music of 20th century Gershwin and Bernstein to Beethoven and Mendelssohn of the 1700 and 1800's, creates an album of entertainingly varied music with its selection of pieces allowing the artist to perform some stunning virtuoso playing.

This is an ideal introduction to the violin mastery of Joshua Bell for those not wanting an entire album dedicated to a single composer - previous releases include Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Bernstein and Gershwin - and allows the violinist to show off his expertise.

A great album which fully deserves its `Essential' claim.

This exquisitely performed and produced virtuoso recording displays all Joshua Bell's talent to the full. The range from classical to free jazz is breathtaking - every piece is a whole-hearted commital to the very best, performed with passion and a sympathetic understanding of the genre. I have many Joshua Bell recordings, but this is (as it says) the essential listening. Fantastic.

This was my first CD of Joshua's and wont be my last now. I first heard Joshua on Classic AM playing the theme from 'ladies in lavender' and recently saw a re-run of the film on tv and decided to get the CD's. Both CD's are good and I thoroughly recommend you treat yourself.