Schoenberg Violin Concerto Op.36/Sibelius Violin Concerto Op.47
DG - DG
Release date: 2008-04-08
Audio CD
Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Concerto, Orchestral & Symphonic, Violin Concerto
1. 1 Poco allegro
2. 2 Andante grazioso
3. 3 Finale: Allegro
4. 1 Allegro moderato
5. 2 Adagio di molto
6. 3 Allegro, ma non tanto
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Schoenberg Violin Concerto Op.36/Sibelius Violin Concerto Op.47
Date undefinedExcellent CD. Sibelius is more familuar than Schoenberg, but both works are performed exceptionally well.
Schoenberg Violin Concerto Op.36/Sibelius Violin Concerto Op.47
Date undefinedThe sole violin concerto written by composer Jean Sibelius is my single favorite piece of music. I've heard several recordings of it, from Jascha Heifetz (stunning) to Maxim Vengerov (disappointing save for a rousing finale), and any new recording excites me with the possibilities.
Hilary Hahn's recent recording of the Sibelius violin concerto, under the baton of Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, is nothing less than gorgeous. Her tones are pure, and she extends the slow parts, squeezing every last bit of emotion out of them. Salonen and the orchestra offer commendable support. In contrast, the violinists I've heard before this (all men, if that matters) seemed to be interested more in just hitting all the notes perfectly. Hahn opened a new door for me.
The Schoenberg violin concerto paired on the disc was written using the composer's pioneering dodecaphonic (or 12-tone) technique. Schoenberg himself pronounced it "unplayable" (with pride!), but Hahn gives it the old college try and manages to draw a discernible melody out of the dissonance. This is definitely the more challenging listen of the two pieces, but repeated tries are most definitely rewarded, especially for those interested in the history of modern classical music (Schoenberg is the undisputed progenitor of such phase, so I'm reserving judgment until I can get my head around it properly with a few listens. Also, I have no frame of reference, never having heard it before.
Twenty years ago, Salonen led violinist Cho-Liang Lin in a recording of the Sibelius violin concerto (paired with the violin concerto of Sibelius's fellow countryman Carl Nielsen) that has since become a classic. I have no doubt that this Hahn performance will achieve an equal level of respect over time.
Schoenberg Violin Concerto Op.36/Sibelius Violin Concerto Op.47
Date undefinedI own Hilary Hahn an apology. For some reason I never quite payed the deserved attention to her career before hearing this truly stunning recording. I was stuck in the image of Miss Hahn as a "child prodigy" and not the fully seasoned veteran she has blossomed to be now (at age 29 this year). In her latest effort here, it is fuly apparent how this fine musician has matured to become one of her generation's finest violinists.
Schoenberg's sole violin concerto is something like a Ravel's Gaspard de la nuit for violinists - a pinnacle piece only attempted by the fully-matured virtuoso. In this strange yet alluring modern work, Hilary Hahn shows she stands among the finer of today's big concerto players. She seems to have a well-studied approach and striking resonance for this music - as does the Swedish Radio Symphony orchestra - as she navigates the chromatic nuances, fascinating textures and daunting technical gauntlets of this unique score.
As much as I don't quite connect with composers like Schoenberg (yet at least), Ms. Hahn's astonishing virtuosity, intellectual maturity and beautiful synchronicity with the orchestra came across as a special event and pulled me into this otherly musical world. It would be a performance to definitely see in person. The orchestra is powerful and spellbinding.
Jean Sibelius is considered the greatest symphonist since Brahms and the latter's influece for romantic ardour is heard in his sole violin concerto. Along with the symphonies, Sibelius's 1905 violin concerto is one of the most important works in Finnish music legecy. In spite of being somewhat of a failed violin virtuoso, Silelius gave us here a masterwork full of magnificant violin moments. The mid-movement candenza in the great first movement is a unique touch. Hahn approaches this hallmark piece with great mastery and beautiful tone. Her clarity and precision, as in the Schoenberg, is impeccable and deeply admirable. You sense complete confidence.
The sound quality is very good and brings out the fullness of these works. Rightfully so, this weighty recording was nominated for two Grammys - and helped propel this marvelous musician into the coveted "Gramphone Artist of the Year" award in 2008. Compositions - 4.5; Performance - 5; Sound qaulity - 4.5.
