The Week in Reviews, Op. 314: Anne-Sophie Mutter Premieres John Williams' Violin Concerto

July 27, 2021, 1:30 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 Anne-Sophie Mutter. Photo by Tina Tahir.

Anne-Sophie Mutter performed the world premiere of John Williams' Violin Concerto No. 2 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood.

The Arts Fuse: "...the piece is tailor-made for Mutter: her rich tone, penchant for portamento phrasings, flexible vibrato, and affinity for jazz all have ample opportunity to shine. So, too, her astounding technical chops, which get a robust workout, especially in the Concerto’s several cadenzas. In Saturday’s premiere, Mutter’s playing was breathtakingly assured, full of warmth and color. Williams led the BSO with an easy hand and the ensemble responded with playing of confidence and energy."
Berkshire Eagle: "John Williams’ 'Violin Concerto No. 2' emerged out of shadows and mists and ended 34 minutes later in quiet and reflection. In between — in its world premiere Saturday... — it went through permutations ranging from near-violence to gentle lyricism, often in duet with a harp."

Jonathan Crow performed Beethoven Sonatas with pianist Philip Chiu at the Toronto Summer Music Festival.

Ludwig Van Toronto: "Crow and Chiu played with exemplary precision and spirit, certainly living up to the designated 'Allegro con brio' first movement, a felicitous mix of discipline and exuberance. Bravi for a truly fine opening."

Benjamin Morrison performed Brahms' Violin Concerto with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

NZ Herald: "(Morrison) unerringly navigated what might have been a technical obstacle course, culminating in a cadenza that, to my ears, took the classic Joachim cadenza as a starting point for even more virtuosic revelations."

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