Search - Joshua Bell :: Voice of the Violin

Michael W. from DELMAR, NY
Reviewed on 3/16/2010...

Beautiful and romantic music.

And Joshua Bell Sings!

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 09/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many of Joshua Bell's legion of admirers praise not only his fine technique but also his ability of make the more liquid passages of his performances approximate the human voice in his vocal approach to the line. Here he takes advantage of that aspect of his musicianship and offers a strong recital of some of everyone's favorite arias and songs as transcribed for the violin and orchestra.



Bell is especially fine in this vein, giving these lush and elegant melodies the quality of sound and tone that have been his hallmark through his career. Included in the recital are such varied works as Rachmaninov's Vocalise, of course Ave Maria, Song to the Moon from Rusalka, Una furtiva lagrima, Je crois entendre encore from The Pearl Fishers, Pourquoi me réveiller from Werther, In trutina from Carmina Burana, Laudate Dominum from Mozart's Vesperae solennes de confessore, None but the Lonely Heart, with others. Bell's friends round out this celebration: Anna Netrebko sings Strauss' 'Morgen' with Bell playing the violin obligato and Frederic Chiu accompanies him on the piano in Debussy's 'Beau soir'.



This is not a heavyweight program (some of the orchestral transcriptions beg indulgence), but instead it is a selection of very beautiful songs and arias given their due by the very talented Joshua Bell. Keep one copy in the car: it is the kind of CD that will smooth out even the worst of freeway snarls! Recommended. Grady Harp, September 06"

He Does It Again

Hannah St Pierre | Louisville, KY | 09/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Joshua Bell has the amazing ability to melt the listener with his magical playing. Probably the most romantic violinist of our generation, Bell's most recent recordings haven't disappointed his passionate admirers. Being a violinist myself, I listen to Joshua bell for my inspiration more than any other artist. Although sometimes almost too wet on the strings, Joshua's lightness with the bow and the energy he puts into his playing can't be ignored. Voice of the Violin is very close to his previous successful recording, Romance of the Violin in its slow, fanciful phrasing. However, Bell uses very many composers that differ greatly from the "lullaby" effect The Romance of the Violin created. I highly recommend this recording to anyone who appreciates emotional, peaceful, and truly lovely music."