Lovely, accomplished, and astonishing!
Patrick W. Crabtree | Lucasville, OH USA | 12/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a compendium of previously released material played by Hilary Hahn, master violinist.
It's not often that one can recommend a particular Classical CD for both the Newbie and the Venerable Virtuoso as well, but in this case, I can joyfully do so without fear that anyone will be disappointed.
I was a little concerned when I first noted that the periods of music played here spans about 300 years -- I get "moods" to hear particular Classical periods; however, someone did an outstanding job of selecting music that, somehow, all comes across as compatible and fluid from one track to the next. So, that hurdle was overcome, at least for me.
There are some very fine orchestras and renditions represented on this 2-CD set and, on a couple, Ms. Hahn plays her violin solo, unaccompanied, and I cannot say when I've heard more moving pieces of beautiful music.
The second big caveat that made me so high on this album is that you rarely hear many of the fine works played here. I was bowled over by the second track of Disc 1, which I THOUGHT I had not previously heard, until I looked at the insert: "Andante", from Barber's Violin Concerto, op. 14. The fact is, I just had never heard this piece performed in such an INSPIRATIONALLY SUPERB MANNER and it had simply never attracted my attention before as it did in this case. In fact, all the entries are on that scale of excellence.
The clencher in listening to this, and to other Hahn entries is that her playing sets one at ease. These are difficult scores and Hilary Hahn plays them smoothly and, so fluidly as if she WROTE them herself.... masterful!
So, if you're looking for some violin wallpaper while reading a book or having supper, or, if you simply wish to have a fine Classical music experience, I can say without doubt that you'll not be sorry that you added this one to your collection.
If you acquire this CD set and you agree with my assessment of her brilliant renditions, you'll probably also want to grab this one as well: Elgar: Violin Concerto / Lark Ascending"
Great selection
Henry B. Coons | San Miguel de Allende, Mexico | 09/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a big Hahn fan I have all of her recordings from which this one is taken. I wouldn't trade any one of those for this two CD bargain.
They said this collection was remastered, which was one of the big reasons I bought it (I particularly didn't like the balance between violin and orchestra in the Beethoven)... and I do like the re mastering job. That said, I am glad to have this one primarily BECAUSE OF the selections chosen.
Now if she will just make another recording with Natalie Zhu."
The Essential Hilary Hahn
F. Capetillo | Texas | 08/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Absolute Brilliance!!. Some of her best recordings, are featured on this cd.One hears such sounds,what can one say,but, HILARY HAHN!!.She has proven her self to the world, as a master violinist."
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1