HILARY HAHN SIMPLY SHINES IN THESE ROMANTIC VIRTUOSO SHOWPIECES Star violinist Hilary Hahn performs violin concertos by two predominant violin virtuosos of the early Romantic era, Italian Niccolo Paganini and German Louis Spohr. Both concertos were composed around 1816 to serve as effective showpieces for their composersÂ' tour activities and are packed with stunningly virtuosic figures, beautiful cantilenas, and dramatic effects that were intended to leave the audience breathless and helped to establish the violinistsÂ' legendary status.Hilary Hahn has the superior technique needed to tackle even the most difficult figures and to make this music shine. Her performances of the Paganini Concerto have been hailed by critics: "Hilary Hahn, this queen of Apollonian clarity and compelling concentration . . . In her playing the wondrously singing lyrical passages were a response to the flawless ecstasy of supreme violinistic artistry." (Süddeutsche Zeitung)
The Paganini concerto, with its combination of wild virtuosity and fatty, gushy melody, is a favorite of audiences and violinists; fiddlers love to strut their stuff and the public can't resist anything so juicy. Hilary Hahn here throws her violinist hat into the ring with Perlman, Kogan, and Gil Shaham and comes out looking just fine. She handles the incredibly showy outer movements with flair, poise, and startling precision, and spins out the long, Italian melodies in the middle movement beautifully. Similarly, she handles the Spohr almost as if it were composed for the voice--it's an enchanting performance. Simply stunning and highly recommended. --Robert Levine
