 Title - ‘Mendelssohn & Shostakovich Violin Concertos’
Artist - Hilary Hahn
Hilary Hahn is perhaps the finest and most versatile musician around-and her CD couplings prove it: why else would anyone put Beethoven and Berstein, Stravinsky and Brahms, and Mendelssohn and Shostakovich together? Her latest CD proves that no matter what she plays, she plays it with style and perfection. I could not recommend a CD more than this one, and I think all classical music lovers should get it. When compared to other violinists' interpretations of both concertos, this CD stands out. Why? Because she understands what the composer is getting at, and she remains honest to the score. Midori's Shostakovich has its ups and downs, but I must admit; this has many more ups. Take the first movement - very rarely has a violinist displayed such beauty and intimacy on record, and such nobility. Or take the two fast movements. Is there really anyone else who could play it with the same panache or technical ability or energy. How about the Mendelssohn - now talk about exciting!! Take the advice of a famous German newspaper – “Hilary Hahn is one of those talents that appears once every century” - and start listening to some beautiful music and maybe you'll start to enjoy her art also.
Russ Trunk
www.sonyclassical.com
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