The Week in Reviews, Op. 324: Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR); Pekka Kuusisto; Nicola Benedetti; David Halen

October 12, 2021, 4:32 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 and composer Daniel Bernard Roumain, "DBR."

Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) performed his own "Voodoo Violin Concerto" with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

New York Times: "The solo part drives this work, and Roumain played commandingly on a violin that was amplified, including electronics with which he could eerily process certain sounds."
NJ.com: "Roumain’s music is indeed eclectic. Over its 26 minutes, DBR employed Hendrix-like electric-overlays, shared his violin concerto with a piano...and even called on the audience to contribute both clapping and vocalizing. All in all, the 'Voodoo Violin Concerto' was a little scattered, but a lot of fun."

Pekka Kuusisto performed the UK premiere of Bryce Dessner’s Violin Concerto (2020) with the Philharmonia Orchestra.

The Guardian: "...The work also embraces Kuusisto’s own unchained versatility. Steeped in folk fiddle as well as classical, you see from the way this mesmerising performer drops his bowing arm, or props the violin closer to chest than shoulder, that he has no technical inhibition and plays as the music demands."
Slipped Disc: "Dessner’s concerto is inspired by its violin soloist, Pekka Kuusisto...It’s estimated to last 24 minutes; Kuusisto scarcely pauses throughout."

Nicola Benedetti performed Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Yahoo News: "...from the ruminative opening bars, delivered by the soloist alone, it was clear that Benedetti was in her element, despite a repetitive strain injury. To the many melodious passages she brought her signature sweetness of tone...(and) she has all the requisite virtuosity as well."

David Halen performed William Bolcom Violin Concerto with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch: "SLSO’s popular concertmaster....played throughout with clarity, skill and confidence, although especially in the first movement and a few times later, the orchestra seemed to cover the solo part in terms of volume."

William Shaub performed in recital with pianist Kevin Class.

ArtsKnoxville: (showpieces by Kreisler, Elgar, Paganini and Morricone) "were boldly played with just the perfect balance of crispness, warmth, and emotional depth, without being schmaltzy in the least."

Simone Porter performed the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra.

Town Topics: "Both soloist and orchestra demonstrated great attention to creating variety in the repetition of phrases and dynamic effects."

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The Week in Reviews, Op. 324: Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR); Pekka Kuusisto; Nicola Benedetti; David Halen

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