The Week in Reviews, Op. 273: Vildi Frang; Eric Gratz; Chris Thile

May 28, 2019, 9:51 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.

Vilde Frang. Photo by Sussie Ahlburg, EMI Classics.

Vilde Frang performed the Elgar Violin Concerto with the San Francisco Symphony.

Datebook: "(The cadenza) It elicited Frang’s most eloquent playing, a surge of melody cast in ripe, robust tones that kept finding new color in seemingly simple material. She built expertly over the course of its long paragraphs, moving from short fragments to longer and more intensely physical exertions."
San Francisco Classical Voice: "...like a diva who’s determined to see and do things her way, Frang charted a determined and strangely solitary course. Her tone, by turns flinty and keening, scratchily dry and heavingly expressive, whipsawed through the expansive 45-minute work"

Eric Gratz performed the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with the San Antonio Symphony.

My San Antonio: "Concertmaster Eric Gratz was the soloist for the Tchaikovsky concerto and became the star for the night. Playing from memory, his performance was deft and diamond clear, sweetly hitting high-pitched notes during an impressive cadenza. It sometimes sounded like he was playing three violins at once."

Chris Thile performed the Barber Violin Concerto, mvt. 2, on mandolin with the St. Louis Symphony.