Search - Hilary Hahn :: Bach: Violin & Voice

Superb recording featuring some of the best musicians today

J. M. Thomas | New Haven, CT USA | 01/17/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was Hilary Hahn's idea to create this unique concept album that juxtaposes violin and voice in a set of widely varied Bach arias and duets with solo violin. There is no questioning the credentials of these fine musicians, particularly in the realm of Bach interpretation, and they deliver an outstanding recording that merits many repeat listenings. Some may argue that this grouping of "soloists" with continuo accompaniment results in a lack of uniform style, but historicity and conventionality notwithstanding, the balance is quite pleasing and musical.



The sheer variety of Bach works on this single album is remarkable, including selections from the St. Matthew Passion, cantatas both sacred and secular, and the Mass in B Minor. One is hard-pressed to identify outstanding tracks, but some of my favorites include "Gebt mir meinen Jesum wieder," "Wann kommst du, mein Heil?," "Angenehmer Zephyrus," and "Erbarme dich." The "Erbarme dich," probably the most well-known work on the album, is particularly poignant in its curious blend of austerity and sentiment.



When listening to this recording, one might not be able to decide whether it sounds old-fashioned or distinctly new. The best description probably includes both aspects. Whether you are new to Baroque music or have long appreciated it, you can't go wrong here. This recording is a true gem.

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Sorry! But Not Very Good at All!

Giordano Bruno | Wherever I am, I am. | 02/03/2010

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Poor ensemble at times, a thin orchestral timbre, dreadful tuning and wobbly technique from Christine Schaefer, and (dare I say it) a rather hoarse version of Matthias Goerne's once-lovely basso! Plus I find Hilary Hahn's playing utterly uninteresting. Who's to blame for such a botch-up, I wonder? Goerne has recorded some of the most mellifluous Bach ever, and though he's not ostensibly an "early music" specialist, he's shown great sensitivity to historically informed performance practices. Schaefer, I fear, just doesn't know much about such practices, or else she doesn't have the vocal technique to execute them. In any case, this would be my choice for least appealing 'topselling' CD of the year."

This music has never sounded like this before

Erik Ketzan | Orbis Tertius | 03/05/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With so many artists re-treading the same ground in classical music-- endless recordings of the same popular warhorses, especially by violinists-- Hilary Hahn is charting her own path. First, these are not overly-recorded pieces: a couple selections from the St Matthew Passion and Mass in B Minor, plus a bunch of cantatas. Second, no other recording of these pieces (I listened to a bunch for sake of comparison) sound anything like Hahn's-- she places the violin and voices front and center for this recording, regardless of where Bach's sheet music and previous recordings place them in the orchestral mix, and that's a great thing. Third, Hahn continues her musical journey with this album, applying her signature style (clean, fast, crisp... dare I say, American?) to music that's never been recorded with that kind of violin sound.



In sum, this is new music. Which is exactly what classical music needs.



Baritone Matthias Goerne and soprano Christine Schäfer are stellar. Hahn shines. It's a great album. Looking forward to Hahn's recording of Jennifer Higdon's violin concerto.

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