What 'Brand' of Violin Should I Buy?
What brand of violin should I buy? A parent grew rather frustrated with me when I did not have a straightforward answer to this question. He'd come up with three "brands" and wanted me to tell him which was the best one, to expedite the process of getting a violin for his child. Also, if you know the good brands, can't you just find them for a little cheaper online? It's not an unreasonable line of questioning, in a general sense. But, it's just not the way it works when buying a decent violin. Here is why: Keep reading...
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The Week in Reviews, Op. 289: Soovin Kim; Leila Josefowicz; Rachel Barton Pine
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.
Soovin Kim performed Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D with A Far Cry.
- The Boston Globe: "As a performer, Kim was assertive and gracious, drawing out a warm, welcoming sound from his violin; combined with the friendly atmosphere of the stage, the concerto felt like a family reunion. Kim’s first movement cadenza was rock solid, and the sparky sizzle he polished it off with was almost a surprise after his grounded approach to the lead-up."
- Boston Musical Intelligencer: "'Virtuosic' befits Soovin Kim’s exemplary performance of the iconic Beethoven Violin Concerto in D Major as well as the ensemble’s rendition of the 'largest' work it has yet tackled (requiring a number of 'Guest Criers'). Kim’s parsimonious yet quietly joyful physical style belies his expansive, all-encompassing and deeply emotional sound."
Simon Woods Steps Down as CEO of LA Philharmonic
The Los Angeles Philharmonic announced the immediate resignation of its CEO Simon Woods on Monday. The LA Phil did not offer any explanation for Woods' sudden and unexpected departure, which comes right before the Oct. 3 start of the orchestra's new season. Keep reading...
Interview with Violinist Stephen Waarts: Debut Recital at Wigmore Hall
When he practices these days, violinist Stephen Waarts thinks a lot about his mentor, the great violinist Aaron Rosand. Rosand, who died in July, certainly would have taken pride in the fact that Waarts will take the stage Tuesday for his debut recital at London's Wigmore Hall. Waarts and pianist Gabriele Carcano will perform works by Fauré, Szymanowski and Bartók.
"Mr. Rosand was very interested in what his students were up to, and very proud of us," Waarts told me over the phone last month. "He wanted to be involved, even after his students stopped studying with him."
Keep reading...
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