The Week in Reviews, Op. 128: Hilary Hahn, Desirée Ruhstrat, Leonidas Kavakos

April 26, 2016, 11:32 AM · In an effort to promote the coverage of live violin performance, Violinist.com each week presents links to reviews of notable concerts and recitals around the world.

Hilary Hahn performed works by Bach, Mozart, Copland, Garcia Abril, and Davidson, with pianist Cory Smythe.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "She’s an extremely musical player who brings pristine technique and a ringing, pure sound that’s beautifully controlled and flexible in all ranges to the stage, but those things don’t really set her apart from the pack. The real difference is the way she, personally, hears and thinks about the music she’s playing, and her ability to communicate that to her audience."

Desirée Ruhstrat

Desirée Ruhstrat performed Bach's Violin Concerto No. 1 with the Bach Week Festival Orchestra.

Chicago Tribune: "Further evidence of an expressive approach throughout was Desiree Ruhstrat's performance of the Violin Concerto, which eschewed the whiteness that once made the work seem severe. Her range of volume and color was welcome."

Leonidas Kavakos performed the Korngold with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.

The New York Times: "Korngold’s caloric and deftly scored Violin Concerto gave the orchestra more chances to shine giddily, though the real point here is virtuosic display by the soloist. Leonidas Kavakos, a commanding presence onstage, made light of every violinistic difficulty thrown his way and, happily, performed the work straightforwardly, choosing not to layer sweetness on sweetness."

Karen Gomyo performed the Sibelius with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

St. Louis Post Dispatch: "...she gave a thrilling, vivid performance that had the audience leaping to its feet for a prolonged and well-deserved ovation."

Augustin Hadelich performed the Beethoven with the Omaha Symphony.

Omaha World-Herald: "He tested the extreme ranges of violins and violinists, taking the greatest care with every tone to gain the precise result he wanted."

Lindsay Deutsch performed the Tchaikovsky with the Adrian Symphony Orchestra.

The Daily Telegram: "...the sheer complexity of this work being what it is, the enthusiastic ovation Deutsch received for her dazzling performance definitely was well-earned."

IN OTHER NEWS:

Ji Yoon Lee, 23 of South Korea and Liya Petrova, 25, of Bulgaria won First Prize (€12,000 each) in the 2016 Carl Nielsen International Violin Competition, which announced laureates last week. No Second Prize was given; Third Prize (€8,000) went to Luke Hsu, 25, of the U.S. and Fourth Prize (€1,000 each) to Soo-Hyun Park, Ji Won Song and Karen Kido.

Please support music in your community by attending a concert or recital whenever you can!

Replies

This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.

The Week in Reviews, Op. 128: Hilary Hahn, Desirée Ruhstrat, Leonidas Kavakos

Replies

Laurie's Books

Subscribe