Bach Concertos
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Free Music Notes for Bach Concertos
Free Music Review: Sparkling and captivating performance
Hit: 5 Stars
First, a response to reviewer no. 1 (a "music fan" from Bethesda): I can't relate to them when they say this music lacks any sense of the soul or the metaphysical. I feel this comment is based on a false premise, i.e. that the music particularly needs to convey a sense of soul of the metaphysical. In my opinion, many of Bach's secular works appeal more to the intellect i.e. the appreciation of harmony and form, and also in a direct physical sense in responding to the sound and rhythm. This is particularly the case in performing Bach. I am not a violinist, but as an amateur pianist the intense pleasure I get from performing, say, a Bach invention or the Aria from the Goldberg variations is not a directly spiritual or emotional one, but a more a physical one, and a sense of satisfaction of the logic, structure and harmonies. My piano teacher always used to say with Bach "you just have to play it" i.e. there is no holding back. Take the preludes and fugues, for example - where these written to convey a sense of the metaphysical? I think not - they were written in the first instance to demonstrate the equal temperament principle, obviously, but they were also written for the sheer sake of the pleasure in performing them. In a similar vein, I think it is completely inappropriate to judge these concertos with the same yardstick that you may apply to later, more romantic works, or to music that is sacred, religious or intended to convey spirituality.
Having said all that, I find this performance is very soulful - how can it can it not be! Just listen to the concerto for oboe and violin and tell me with a straight face that there is no soul in this performance! - what nonsense!
My "official" review is as follows:
What a brilliant performance! Contrary to some comments I have read already ("too fast"), I find the choice of tempo is just right -"fast" movements are energetic and with a tightly focused sense of rhythm which is utterly compelling, and the slower movements are played with an finely judged intensity and beauty, especially in the concerto for oboe and violin. Bach's secular music is for playing for the sheer sake of enjoyment, as much as anything else, and I particularly like the sense of naturalness and spontaneity in these performances which make them sound live rather than the product of studio sessions. I am no violin player myself, so I can't comment on Ms Hahn's technique except to say that I don't even think about technique or feel I need to comment on the standard of her performance (or indeed any of the other musicians) when listening to this disc - the music simply shines through and it just sounds so "right". I believe this recording will quickly become a reference standard. What I particularly appreciate (and this is a feature of all of Hilary Hahn's discs) is her own personal comments in the CD booklet about how she relates to the music - why don't other musicians do this? Music is such a personal thing and it's great to personalise the recording like this instead of most CD's where usually nothing is said about or heard from the artist. The sound quality on the SACD is great - string instruments are, to my mind, never properly captured on 44kHz, 16bit PCM, whereas their timbres are realistically portrayed in this recording.
Free Music Review: Too fast? - let your own ears decide.
Hit: 5 Stars
I don't mean to purposely stand in contradiction against other reviews; I just felt it was unfair for me to be almost robbed of the musical enjoyment I am having now with this recording, and I want to present another view.
I remember being really inspired when I first saw a video of Hilary Hahn playing the Bach Concerto. However, I was surprised to see so many criticisms regarding the tempo when I went to check out the CD here on amazon.com.
It made me really hesitant about buying the CD. But I found out that it proved to be a mistake for me to be held back into buying this CD because of these criticisms.
I am not a student of classical music nor do I consider myself to be an expert on music criticism; so I do not really know if there is such a thing as a "wrong" tempo in classical music.
Hilary Hahn has written in the linear notes regarding how she wanted this piece to be lively and to inspire others to dance to the fast movements. This reflects her personality and I think she has succeeded in achieving that vision. As far as her own musical vision is concerned, I don't think anyone can say she missed it or contradicted herself.
I own this CD for some time now and I have been listening to it enough to say that the tempo is not an issue for me. I think Hilary pulled it off nicely. I have gone out to listen to other interpretations, but I eventually found Hilary Hahn's and Oistrakh's interpretations to be my favorites. (Grumiaux's interpretation also comes close - do check it out!) The tone and execution really shines - Everything fits together beautifully like a well-crafted piece of furniture. There is evidence of tremendous thought into the phrasing, but when you are listening to the music, all that disappears, you just know Hilary really enjoyed herself while playing this piece. It is inspiring.
I am not discrediting the other reviews and the opinions of others - they have a valid opinion and they are entitled to it. All I'm saying is this: do listen to it before you buy this CD and make a judgment for yourself. Do not rob yourself of the joy of enjoying music that YOU like.
Free Music Review: Beautiful, collaborative playing
Hit: 5 Stars
Hilary Hahn's status as one of the new stars of classical music has been firmly established; however, she has never let her stardom go to her head. She treats the music she plays as the collaborative effort it is, playing *with* an orchestra or pianist rather than simply expecting them to accompany her. And as those of us fortunate enough to have seen her in concert can attest, she seeks out interaction with the audience as well, coming out after every performance - and sometimes during intermission too - to talk with us and sign autographs. In this new CD (her first with Deutsche Grammophon), Hahn further demonstrates her collaborative strengths with a program of Bach chamber music.The album contains the Violin Concerti in A Minor & E (BWV 1041 & 1042 respectively), the Double Concerto (BWV 1043), and the Oboe & Violin Concerto (BVW 1060). Far from the large orchestral affairs that concerti have become, Bach wrote these pieces for the solo instrument(s), a small string section, and a harpsichord. As always, Hahn plays beautifully; her love for the music is evident from the moment she begins, and she displays it with a rich tone and great technical skill. And as befitting Bach's music, she treats her solo line as an extension of the ensemble. The ensemble, in this case, is the excellent Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Led by keyboardist/conductor Jeffrey Kahane, they play with energy, skill, and a real sense of enjoyment. Concertmistress Margaret Batjer and principal oboist Allan Vogel play their solo lines with Hahn as a kind of dialogue, shifting the balance back and forth as the music unfolds.
The artistry and musicianship on this album is first-rate, and the CD is sure to delight lovers of Bach, Hahn, and chamber music alike.
Free Music Review: Another great CD from Hilary Hahn
Hit: 5 Stars
It was with some trepidation that I first loaded this CD in my player. What new ideas could possibly be wrung from these old standards? Many listeners already have several versions in their collections. Well, fear not. By some feat of musical alchemy, the concerti on this disc sound as if they were written just yesterday by a new composer adopting the style of Bach.The performances are fresh and exciting - so rhythmic you can hardly sit still. Indeed, Hilary Hahn in her liner notes reminds us that the movements are really dance movements, and we might try to dance to them - in our homes. She confesses to tapping her feet upon hearing them as a child (not too long ago). The tempi seem reckless at first (as in her Mendelssohn concerto disc) but once again, fear not. She and her coworkers are fully capable of the passage work, including grace notes, with no rushing whatsoever.
Hilary's hallmark is her unerring intonation. This is an uncanny ability that spoils us for other string players. Also, her phrasing is consistently satisfying. This is her sixth release, the first five being with Sony Classical (who must regret losing her) and this one with D.G. She has won a Grammy award for her earlier Brahms-Stravinski combo. I recommend all her CDs as essential to your collections.
Back to Bach, this new release is light-hearted, joyous chamber music. It may be true that Bach can sustain many interpretations, but you can easily believe this would be his favorite.
Free Music Review: Brisk and Fresh Bach
Hit: 5 Stars
This is the latest recording I have purchased of Hilary Hahn and the second Bach CD of hers. I found this recording a breath of fresh air for Bach recordings. It all moves along at a great clip that suggets the real spontaneity and joy of this music instead of being dark or mournful. I recently heard another recording of the first work on this CD by a different artist and barely recognized it as it was slow and seemed as if it might never end. This recording moves along wonderfully and leaves you wanting more. As usual, Hilary's playing is precise, delicate and emotional, not overly interpreted or embellished, yet not without power. She does not steal center stage here either as she proves she is a wonderful collaborator throughout the disc. The quiet music on this disc makes you hold your breath as it is that intense. Again, like her first Bach recording, this is a Bach CD for people who are not big baroque fans, myself included. Lately though, I have been picking up more Bach. The liner notes are fine as usual giving you insight into Hilary Hahn's love of this music. The recorded sound is flawless and unless you are still in love with wax cylinders or 78's this is about as close to a perfect Bach recording as you will find! Everyone who loves great music should have a copy of this at home and in their car.