Comments

Natasha, I like your review. It is very well written. I also like what you said. I find that JB often has an overly sweet, cloying tone. I'm not a fan of JB. (Sorry, Sydney) Natasha, I just read your other blog. I'm so sorry that you and your sister were both so sick. I hope that you get good medical attention and care soon, and I hope the two of you feel much better soon. If you remember, the reason JB became one of my favorite violinists was because I happened to catch the 3rd movemnt of Goldmark in the car. I liked the 1st movement of the Sibelius, but I agree wih you about the 3rd movement. It is too slow. Natasha,

It's very nice that you are so analytical about what you listen to, but your writing style seems as though it belongs to something trying way too hard. Try omitting superfluous details and gestures, and I think you're writing will come off as being more mature.

Pieter, she is 14. She is a superb writer, especially being 14. She will have plenty of time to develop her own style; plus, I like the "superfluous" details. Natasha- Great review! ... and writing style. I think you come of very mature, and I too enjoy the 'superfluous" details ;) So don't change it! Sydney,

A superfluous or redundant detail would be the bit about the "Finnish" concerto...

I think she is comming along very well, and I know that she is younger. I am only commenting because I used to write somewhat like that, emulating something else (and failing). I'm confident that she'll be refine herself as she ages.

Natasha and Sydney: I always hear you guys talking about newer violinists. You should both check out some of the old guys. However as far as new violinists, check out James Ehnes. I'm confident you'll love him (and that's to be taken literally in Sydney's case).

Natasha, I like your writing style very much. I don't find it immature at all. I like the vividness and the details. If I sound like an English teacher, that's because writing is one of the things I have taught. God, Pieter. I don't looooooovvve Joshua Bell! Of course, that is what you are implying. I admire his playing and it took a lot for me to do so! I would pay more attention "The Greats" except that I do not have the CDs or the money to buy the CDs.

Also, that "superfluous" detail about the composer being Finnish, I didn't know that. So, it may have been superfluous to you, but to others, not. There!

Thank you all for your comments. I actually agree that I sometimes get carried away. But my English grader loves that, so I write everything like that now. My Dad despises my writing style, but pooey for him.

Again, thank you all for reading! I really enjoy writing reviews about things I have read or listened to, and since I almost always have to write about things I dislike, this is where I vent all of my thoughts that only musicians would care about. I've been toying with the idea of being a music critic for about a year now (because I love writing and music so much), and you all are wonderful to read through all of my ramblings.
THANK YOU VIOLINIST.COM!

~Natasha~

Good review. Somehow I doubt you posted it for critical review, but since you seem to be aware of styling - do some digging and read some of George Orwell's essays on writing. He believed the true power of well written prose was conveying your intent with the fewest - and most accurate - words available. In my mind, Orwell was the Heifetz (or whoever) of the literary world when it came to his essays.