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In the Forum: Musical Discussions
In the Thread: Violin Concertos
Post Subject: Batiashvili kavakos etcPosted by steverino on: 8/3/2017
FWIW I played violin in the high school orchestra (back of the first violin section) but having no interest in being a musician didn't continue. But I do know something about the instrument and playing it obviously.
Anyway, about 6 or 7 years ago resulting from a discussion, I surveyed the leading younger violinists in a variety of their recordings. I thought Batiashvili was head and shoulders better than any of the others, at least for post Baroque compositions. Baroque has pretty much become a specialization now with HIP and it is difficult to be equally proficient with both. Yes Batiashvili is not particularly young now, as she is nearly 40. Among the older current violinists I like Kavakos.
Sibelius himself was a violinist and only gave up concertizing when he felt he wouldn't be a top international soloist I have read. As might be expected his violin concerto contains very idiomatic writing for the solo violin (not that common as most composers are pianists, not violinists). I don't find the solo violin part itself that characteristic of Sibelius' Nordic ambiance, but think that it resides more with the orchestral accompaniment with its frequent string tremeloes and low scattered woodwind phrases. The last movement does seem close to the Karelia Suite in its bouncing rhythm.
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