I've just heard Rachel Barton-Pine play the Tchaikovsky violin concerto with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra tonight and wow!!!...... what a virtuoso!!! Okay her playing was a little on the aggressive side for me if I'm being fussy but what incredible speed and technical wizardry she has!!....
I was so entranced I bought her latest CD and she signed it for me - I'll listen to it tomorrow...
She plays the "ex soldat" 1742 violin by Guarneri del Gesu and it/she was an amazing rich and mellow sound... really full-bodied and thoroughly expressive.
When I hear some violinists play I think 'one day I'd love to play like that', but with this lady I know I have no hope of ever, ever, ever mastering the violin...
...but that's okay - when you hear playing like this it's entrancing and just a wonderful experience.
If you get the chance... go and hear her or find a recording.. she's incredible!
(rushes off to practice her Grade 3 pieces with new vigour........
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