The Week in Reviews, Op. 334: Aisslinn Nosky and Maureen Murchie; Ray Chen; Nicola Benedetti

December 21, 2021, 2:08 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 Aisslinn Nosky and violist Maureen Murchie.

Aisslinn Nosky and violist Maureen Murchie performed Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola with the American Classical Orchestra.

New York Classical Review: "The contrast between Nosky’s shining violin tone and Murchie’s throaty viola was also a pleasure, adding a heterogeneity that was strong and stimulating. That quality reinforced not just the antiphonal passages but a real musical conversation, the two working together to achieve something. There was personality in the playing throughout. In the final movement, the two indulged in some portamento here and there, showed an appreciation for pleasure in making music and in entertaining the listener. That was Mozart’s own bottom line as well."
blogcritics: "Both evinced melodic dexterity and supple feeling."

Ray Chen performed Lalo’s "Symphonie Espagnole" with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Hyde Park Herald: "(Chen) brought fire and assertiveness to the Orchestra Hall stage. He could move from scorching to caressing in the blink of an eye and Lintu ensured that the orchestra offered all the support required."

Nicola Benedetti performed Mozart's Concerto No. 1 with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

The Scotsman: "Benedetti's slow movement was beautifully gentle and reflective..."

Classical music reemerges -- a year-end review by LA Times critic Mark Swed.

Los Angeles Times: "After our 2020 arts annus horribilis, we foresaw celebratory champagne corks popping and fireworks exploding by 2021’s end. That fantasy has been replaced by the reality that every step needs to be taken gingerly and that not all steps can move forward....Still, we emerge. And in a heartening number of instances, we have done so in glory, thanks to the many extraordinary first-emergers who made it happen."

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

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