Hilary Hahn's Beethoven/Bernstein

Prodigies are a dime a dozen among classical violinists. Children with pint-sized instruments appear onstage in frilly dresses or cute tuxedos, heralded as the next great talent. Only a small number of these young wonders become successful mature artists.

At age 19, Hilary Hahn appears to be one of these few. Still a student at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, she has gradually progressed from a carefully guarded talent to an established presence as a soloist with the major orchestras of the world. On this recording, Hahn continues her foray into sophisticated repertoire, rather than overworking the virtuosic fare usually performed by
young violinists.

The first work on this disc, the Beethoven Violin Concerto, is, according to many, the pinnacle of the violin repertoire. A masterpiece that contrasts stately, classical elegance with brooding romanticism, it requires the utmost maturity from the soloist, and Hahn, despite her age, comes through tremendously. Each note has been carefully thought out, and her phrases soar seamlessly over the orchestra. While some of her interpretations take stylistic liberties--the first movement's cadenza lacks coherence, and the tempo of the last movement is slightly too rapid--the overall effect is refined and powerful, right through to the triumphant climax.

Bernstein's Serenade, a violin concerto in form if not in name, requires an equally sophisticated interpretation. Bernstein based this work on Plato's "Symposium," deriving its five-movement form from the famous ancient dialogue. Each section is a musical representation of a different speaker, including Aristophanes, Agathon, and Socrates. Bernstein's charm is ever-present and Hahn presents each movement with its own unique spirit.

In 20th-century virtuosic music, the musician's tendency is often to become overly excited, rough and unrefined, yet each note in Hahn's performance is a beautiful, whole entity, even in the flashiest passages. One hopes this is only the beginning of a promising career. (Sony Classical)

--Evan Bialostozky

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