Elgar Violin Concerto Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending

Product description CD Amazon.com This is an oddly cool performance of one of the most overtly sentimental--indeed, gushing--pieces in the violin repertoire. In an effort simply to present, rather than interpret, the music, Hahn seems to have gone overboard--she plays with little portamento and vibrato, she keeps away from the music's soul. All that having been said, the playing itself is faultless, her tone lovely, and by the last movement her virtuosity is truly impressive. The classic performance remains Menuhin's, but Hahn and Davis and his LSO have much to offer here. Vaughan Williams' gorgeous-if-sappy "The Lark Ascending" is played ravishingly, with more overt feeling than the Elgar, and again the LSO add greatly to the pleasure with the woodwind section--and clarinet in particular--shining brightly. --Robert Levine Review "the young violinist has become one of the most celebrated concert artists of our day." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer Hahn lifts Elgar concerto to pinnacle of love-music -- CLARKE BUSTARD POINT OF VIEW Sunday, November 7, 2004 Hilary is an extraordinary instrumentalist with strong musical ideas, fabulous intonation, and a beautiful, clear, clean, modern tone. -- Richard Dyer, Boston Globe Staff November 5, 2004 She can swell a note with sinewy control, then sink it into a measured whisper. -- PAUL HORSLEY The Kansas City Star