The Week in Reviews, Op. 287: Blake Pouliot; James Ehnes; Viktoria Mullova

September 3, 2019, 12:32 PM · 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.

Violinist Blake Pouliot. Photo by Jeff Fasano Photography.

Blake Pouliot performed the Brahms Violin Concerto with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

Regina Leader-Post: "His approach to the Brahms was entirely lyrical, almost rhapsodic, bringing to the solo line a gorgeous tone throughout the range. One of the results was that even the virtuoso writing of the opening of the last movement soared, rather than becoming a spectacular showpiece. It made the main theme unexpectedly joyful."

James Ehnes performed Khachaturian's Violin Concerto with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

The Sydney Morning Herald: "There was never a note nor bow hair out of place and the tone was invariably one of glowing evenness and gleaming projection."
Limelight: "I’ve always thought Khachaturian’s ballet music superior to his concertos. Even James Ehnes’ customary fusion of virtuosity and insight couldn’t convince me otherwise....Ehnes ennobles virtually every piece of music he performs but, for all the uncomplicated ‘fun’, I think his prodigious talent was a bit wasted on this work."

Viktoria Mullova performed the Sibelius Violin Concerto with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

The Sydney Morning Herald: "Viktoria Mullova fronted this singular work with convincing determination and excellent clarity of output, even in those passages for the violin's lower strings where many another player over-bows and muddies the flow with excessive emphasis."
Limelight: "Mullova’s statuesque physical presence together with her impressive technical fluency make for a memorable onstage experience."

Kam Ning performed the Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra.

The Straits Times: "London-based Singaporean violinist Kam Ning wrung out all the pathos possible from the rhapsodic tale of Liang Zhu, the Chinese version of Romeo And Juliet."

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