Search - Samuel Barber, Ernest Bloch, William [composer] Walton :: Barber, Walton: Violin Concertos; Bloch: Baal Shem

Bell is ravishing in these lyrical pieces

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 01/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"By 1997 when this CD was released, Joshua Bell was past his teen phenom phase and rapidly maturing into a considerable artist. Here at Amazon the discussion has centered on his acocunt of the Barber concerto, but I was even more impressed by both other pieces. Bloch's Baal Shem Tov (Named for the founder of the mystical sect of Hassidic Judaism) started out as a suite for solo violin and piano, and the composer's orchestration is nothing much. But the central slow movement is a gorgeous tune, and Bell plays it with aastonishing refinement and tonal beauty.



I am in sympathy with one reviewer of the original CD before it was remastered who complains about Decca's frequent inability to capture Bell's beauty of tone, which is one of his trademarks. He is incapable of an ugly note--just listen to how he plays the skipping triplets in the Moto perpetuo finale of the Barber. They zip by, but each tone is centered, perfectly struck, and lovely. In truth, the recorded sound here is miles ahead of the thin, screechy sound he got in his earliest recordings with Dohnanyi, some of which are painful even in their recent remastering.



Compared to other versions of the Barber, particularly the classic one from Isaac Stern with Bernstein on Sony, Bell and Zinman ae almost as vigorous rhythmically and never lacking in intensity. One can feel in this work that the composer is wading through caramel, and Bell's ultra-sensitive phrasing could be to much of a good thing. Here it isn't, and Zinman's robust, even rough way with the accompaniment also helps.



I usually have no interest in the music of William Walton, and even among his devotees the Violin Concerto takes second or third place behind the famous Viola Concerto. Yet it's perfect for Bell, who plays with such compelling lyricism that the relatively weak sections still hold one's attention. None of these works are first rate all the way thorugh, and his magic applies to all three, especially whenever there is a long, lyrical line. In sum, if I were to point a new listener to Bell's artistry, I'd choose this CD."

Great music.

Garry R. Douglas | Edmonton Alberta Canada | 02/14/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The reviewer, Stevenson who gave one star and an insult is not to be taken seriously.

Most muscicians know that if music stirs the soul then it has achieved its purpose. Bell does just that.

There are many who play violin with different style, different sound, different technique. I like Bell becuase he makes me feel something. That is not bad.

I have been a musician for a LONG time and have just about every recording for violin in the past few decades. Bell is just fine thanks and he has one heck of a nice violin.



Relax a little. Music is the language of the soul. If you do not like one musician and you give a review, why not say WHY? Perhaps Bell is too 'populist' for Stevenson. Who knows. I liked it. Lots."

Please disregard One star reviewer, this recording is except

Six Stringer | Midwest, USA | 08/19/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In response to the one-star reviewer, have you had your hearing checked lately? To suggest that Mr. Bell should only be playing with a highschool glee club is simply an insult of such magnitude that the reviewer obviously has no idea what it takes to become a performing musician of Mr. Bell's stature.



I have a little idea, as my sister began playing the violin at age 4. She completed her masters of violin performance from Peabody Conservatory studying with the BSO's concertmaster at the time. She spent an untold number of hours practicing and rehearsing. She made it into a second to third tier American Orchestra (barely) in the second violin section after DOZENS of tryouts with other orchestras. She did not have more than a one year contract each of the three years she played in said orchestra. She played in countless festivals and continues as a chamber musician to this day.



When she was a full-time professional musician, playing the violin was her LIFE! She is a scary accomplished violinist, yet she could practice 16 hours per day for the rest of her life and never approach the level of musicianship of Joshua Bell. His playing is simply wonderful on this album. I can't think of another violinist today that produces the wonderful tone that he does, although my sister's tone comes close. Maestro Zinman provides adequate and in some places tender yet riveting (particularly in the Walton concerto) accompaniment. Four and a half stars, but I round up to FIVE!"