Arabella!
The young German violinist Arabella Steinbacher is already being hailed as one the truly great violinists of our times. The New York Times has noted her balanced lyricism and fire…(and) her finely polished technique and beautifully varied palette….
This recording is devoted to three of the Mozart concerti, which I know so well from having played them (or worked at playing them) during my youth. These works are full of Mozart’s charm, and the challenge is to bring them to the listener not as bombastic, heavy, symphonic works. Rather, this music requires lightness, elegance, humor, and spirited playing.
Ms. Steinbacher – in my view – brings out all of these qualities in this new recording. Let me illustrate for you.
Here is an excellent video of Arabella Steinbacher performing Mozart’s third Violin Concerto with Marc Albrecht and the Gothenburg Symphony. (Please click on “Skip Ad”):
I find this to be lovely playing of this concerto: Light, crisp, precise and with a really nice Mozart style.
As a contrast, the violin concerto by Tchaikovsky is a whole lot more dramatic and it requires a different style. Here is Ms. Steinbacher with Vladimir Fedoseyev Conducting in the Tchaikovsky violin concerto, with the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra. Wow: this is really terrific!
Tags: Arabella Steinbacher, violinist, Mozart, Tchaikovsky
