The Week in Reviews, Op. 452: Maria Dueñas, Anne-Sophie Mutter, James Ehnes

June 4, 2024, 1:28 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 Maria Duenas. Photo by Tam Lan Truong.

Maria Dueñas performed Gabriela Ortiz's "Altar de cuera" Violin Concerto with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Barbican.

I News: "As the centrepiece, they brought the UK premiere of a new violin concerto by the Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz, written for and dedicated to its soloist, 21-year-old Maria Dueñas,...frankly, a stunning, mesmerising firebrand; in command of an inspiring range of colour on her instrument, she was unfazed by the many challenges Ortiz threw into her path."
The Guardian: "Certainly there is plenty of sharp-etched detail in this busy three-movement concerto, with febrile solo figuration in the outer movements, which was brilliantly projected by María Dueñas, for whom it was conceived, and a slow movement that floats a fragile violin line over glassy orchestral harmonies. It’s an effective, vivid showpiece, even if its musical ideas do not linger in the memory very long."

Anne-Sophie Mutter performed the UK premiere of Thomas Adès' "Air: Homage to Sibelius" with London Symphony Orchestra, with the composer conducting.

The Guardian: "The economy and transcendent beauty of music that never raises its voice is totally beguiling, and the way in which so much is woven out of such basic material recalls early Arvo Pärt. Mutter’s beautifully supple, silvery sound never lost its poise either."
Bach Track: "The UK premiere of Adès’ Air – Homage to Sibelius was a success both in unveiling a captivating work and for the sense of occasion it brought, with the composer conducting the soloist for whom he wrote it....The playing of these slow seraphic sounds was increasingly absorbing, as the soloist added her own serenely blissful contribution, and silvery tone, to the discourse."

James Ehnes performed Bernstein's "Serenade after Plato’s Symposium" with the Toronto Symphony.

Bach Track: "Its pervading sense of unfussy, purposeful ‘cool’ is also perfectly suited to solo violinist James Ehnes’ elegant musicianship and modesty."

Christian Tetzlaff performed the Brahms Violin Concerto with the Minnesota Orchestra.

StarTribune: "...you may never encounter a violinist who makes it as captivating as Christian Tetzlaff. At Thursday's midday concert with conductor David Afkham and the Minnesota Orchestra, the German violinist reinforced the perception he's left on past visits: That, when it comes to violin repertoire, Tetzlaff is one of the master interpreters of our age."

Brentano String Quartet performed a recital of Beethoven and Schubert at Koerner Hall in Toronto.

Toronto Guardian: "Fine performances by the quartet, plus guests Jonathan Biss, piano, and Joseph Conyers, bass, made for a wonderful evening of music at once challenging and melodic."

Liya Petrova performed the Sibelius Violin Concerto with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta.

South China Morning Post: "Hers was a generous performance, as she projected her sound around the auditorium with ample expression and natural movement. The full gamut of violin technique demanded in the opening allegro was no issue for Petrova."

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The Week in Reviews, Op. 452: Maria Dueñas, Anne-Sophie Mutter, James Ehnes

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