The Week in Reviews, Op. 419: Joshua Bell, Two-Set Violin, Clara-Jumi Kang

October 3, 2023, 3:40 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 Joshua Bell.

Joshua Bell performed the U.S. West Coast premiere of "Elements" by Kevin Puts, Edgar Meyer, Jake Heggie, Jennifer Higdon and Jessie Montgomery with the New York Philharmonic.

Financial Times: "Even for composers known for their way with a lyrical line and satisfying harmonies, the fit between the movements was remarkable. Each was imaginative and distinctive while also flowing naturally from one to the other....Without the usual pile of virtuosic challenges for the violinist, this was still a showcase for him. One of the more sheerly beautiful players, the straightforward and warm communication of the music fitted his manner perfectly."
blogcritics: "I'm delighted to report that the music, laden with beauty and drama, succeeds at all levels....(Joshua Bell's) touch and tone, dexterity and power were everything we have come to expect from him. The music, too, measured up to the composers' previous standout work."
New York Times: "...on Friday, (conductor Jaap) van Zweden guided the orchestra eloquently and smoothly around Bell in 'The Elements.'"

TwoSet Violin performed its 'TwoSet Violin World Tour' in Boston.

The Harvard Crimson: "Overall, TwoSet Violin’s concert was a breath of fresh air...Yang and Chen seamlessly translated their online humor to the live stage, incorporating a unique blend of classical music, comedy, and theater in their performance and ultimately creating a captivating experience that resonated with everyone present."

Clara-Jumi Kang performed Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Cincinnati Business Courier: "Kang’s opening phrases captured this haunting atmosphere, and she communicated with a big, glorious sound on her 'Thunis' Stradivarius violin of 1702. The violinist easily balanced the concerto’s technical fireworks against moments of sheer poetry."

Itzhak Perlman performed "In the Fiddler's House" at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland.

Financial Times: "It was in 1995 that Perlman first presented 'In the Fiddler’s House' with a group of star klezmorim. Nearly three decades later, the project has lost none of its charm and foot-stamping pizzazz. This “old world” music...feels particularly resonant in our current one."

Jennifer Obaze performed a show called "Unleash The Power Of Strings" in Lagos, Nigeria.

Vanguard: "Jennifer demonstrated her musical flexibility in a captivating 30-minute session, flawlessly shifting between classical current and Highlife Music."

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

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The Week in Reviews, Op. 419: Joshua Bell, Two-Set Violin, Clara-Jumi Kang

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