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Post by jandl100 on Jun 8, 2021 15:50:24 GMT
Composed in 1939 and first performed in 1941, Samuel Barber's violin concerto is one of the great 20th century violin concertos. It's probably the most famous American violin concerto.
Three movements - the first two are supremely rhapsodic and beautiful, about 10 minutes each. The third movement is brief at 4 minutes and virtuosic in the extreme, a complete (and in its early days very controversial) contrast - the original dedicatee considered it quite unsuitable and refused to play the piece at all!
I'm not sure I've heard a poor recorded performance of it, so help yourselves. Gil Shaham on DG is widely and rightly admired. Of late I've been enjoying the playing of Anne Akiko Meyers, so I'll link to her recording.
Listening to it again now, it reminds me a lot of the Sibelius violin concerto.
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Post by Slinger on Jun 8, 2021 15:56:29 GMT
I've got James Buswell playing it accompanied by Marin Alsop / Royal Scottish National Orchestra. I'll give that a listen shortly.
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Post by jandl100 on Jun 8, 2021 16:08:19 GMT
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 8, 2021 16:35:50 GMT
Am I allowed to try the Hilary Hahn?  |
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Post by jandl100 on Jun 8, 2021 16:38:57 GMT
Am I allowed to try the Hilary Hahn? How can I stop you?  Actually, listening this afternoon, Gil Shaham is a bit safe and boring. I'll give HilaryH a listen myself. ... My goodness only 3m25s for the finale! |
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 8, 2021 16:47:42 GMT
LOL - just wanted to check I wasn't breaching CAC protocol!
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Post by Slinger on Jun 8, 2021 16:58:50 GMT
Three from me. I found it rather "ordinary" until that last movement shook things up a bit.
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Post by MartinT on Jun 8, 2021 19:13:24 GMT
I've also chosen the Hahn, Jerry's choice not yet being available on Qobuz. The composition is superb, Barber certainly knew how to write a tune. I prefer the two longer romantic movements to the finale, flashy as it may be. Gorgeous performance and it gets a 4/5 from me.
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 9, 2021 13:52:00 GMT
I was listening on my Mac speakers and phone headphones but even on these Hilary Hahn sounds wonderful - a warm, romantic and ripe performance with admirable support from the orchestra. Typical sense of energy and 101% commitment you would expect from HH.
Allegro - I like the way she switches between a slightly sugary tone and something more austere and wistful when required. I just love those sustained notes just after 4 mins in - such eloquence! Some very pastoral moments which instantly remind me of RVW.
Andante - The first couple of minutes are a bit MEH and it struggles to find a focus and rhythm. Things are much improved by HH's arrival and we now find some tension in the emotions.
Presto - Electric. If only it were longer! I was gutted when it finished. Staggering timing and technique, end of ...
I don't think it would dislodge anything in my Top 10 but a most enjoyable listen, thank you Jerry. 4/5.
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 10, 2021 15:45:25 GMT
It's well worth a listen to the Berg VC on the HH recording which was written specifically for her. I enjoyed it and a few musical surprises in there.
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Post by John on Jul 1, 2021 16:31:45 GMT
Sorry to be late to the party
I enjoyed the first and third movement The second is a bit laboured for my liking I have it somewhere between a 3 and 4 So gone generous and given it a 4
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