The Week in Reviews, Op. 143: Pekka Kuusisto, Alexander Sitkovetsky; plus Joshua Bell, Ray Chen free online performances
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.
Pekka Kuusisto performed the Tchaikovsky with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
- The Arts Desk: "From the long opening melody to the Finale’s boot-stamping dance of a theme, Kuusisto was as much a fiddler as a violinist. Arms flowing loose, feet syncopating to the rhythms of his bow, mouth constantly on the edge of a grin, he took Tchaikovsky’s art music and distilled it down to its folk essence."
Alexander Sitkovetsky.
Alexander Sitkovetsky performed the Tchaikovsky with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.
- Lynn News: "Originally claimed to be unplayable, as are so many masterpieces that are now firm favourites, Alexander ‘s skill and dexterity were tested to the full. This was particularly evident in the extensive cadenza in the first movement where every note was concise no matter what the dynamic or whether double stopping and using the total extent of the finger board. The same quality continued throughout the concerto with excellent accompaniment from the orchestra."
Thomas Zehetmair performed the Schumann with the BBC Philharmonic.
- The Guardian: "Schumann’s Violin Concerto was less convincing, featuring direct playing from soloist Thomas Zehetmair but stuttering momentum, and with the orchestral melodies failing to sing. Can anyone make this problematic piece work?"
FREE ONLINE PERFORMANCES:
Joshua Bell performed Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto No. 3 with the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra.
- View the concert for free on Medici.tv for the next 90 days.
Ray Chen performed the Bruch's Violin Concerto at the BBC Proms in London.
Please support music in your community by attending a concert or recital whenever you can!
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Good question, let me see if I can find out!
ok thanks!
The official word from his publicist is: yes, he played his Strad!
Also, David, for your profile picture, if you crop it to a square before you upload it, it won't squish the image!
ok thanks
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August 11, 2016 at 07:59 PM · Is Joshua Bell performing on his strad in at the verbier festival?