hi all!!! who do you think is the greatest violinist in the modern world?? i personally think this goes to Anne-Sophie Mutter..... what do you think??

How modern is modern?

Menhuin

QUOTE (david_t @ Jan 4 2005, 04:25 PM)

How modern is modern?

"is" rather implies alive....

Hmmmm

Maxim Vengerov, or Vadim Repin.

kreisler?

i suppose he is modern enough to have surviving recordings. somehow i prefer the 20s, 30s violinists.

QUOTE

prefer the 20s, 30s violinists.

Violinists of this era were good, but on the whole the portamento is a bit too heavy for me.

I like Sarah Chang.

QUOTE (david_t @ Jan 4 2005, 04:25 PM)

Menhuin

I agree

QUOTE (AmandaL @ Jan 5 2005, 01:03 PM)

QUOTE prefer the 20s, 30s violinists. Violinists of this era were good, but on the whole the portamento is a bit too heavy for me.

and their molto molto rubato

Joshua Bell and Anne Sophie Mutter 1st equal. Kreisler if you're allowed to go back that far.

Interesting that nobody else has mentioned any of the Russians.

For me they have the firey passion and limitless technical expertise to back it up. They also tend to be very friendly down-to-earth people, since most of them come from poor backgrounds - try practicing the violin for nine hours day in a dimly-lit basement with no heating The Siberian winters were so cold, Vengerov had to wear gloves when he was practicing.

Anne Sophie Mutter is somewhat heavy with vibrato - I especially dislike her recordings of the Bach concertos with heavy vibrato on every single note.

Joshua Bell is good, but rather gushing in his approach. I put this down to his 'rich kid' background making him too pretentious.

QUOTE (AmandaL @ Jan 6 2005, 10:39 PM)

Joshua Bell is good, but rather gushing in his approach. I put this down to his 'rich kid' background making him too pretentious.

His recording of the Mendelssohn is Radio 3's "building a CD library" recommended recording, and I have to say when they broadcast the programme I agreed - I didn't think Yehudi Menuhin, Nigel Kennedy or any of the other "contestants" came close.

As to being pretentious, he played with my daughter's cello teacher's orchestra recently, and the report back was he's really down to earth, up for a few beers and a chat - but he has a bit of an addiction to
Gameboys .

I believe Simon Rattle also had a very privileged childhood - I suppose "privileged" doesn't have to mean "spoilt".

Have you got any other recommended Russian names to listen out for AmandaL?

QUOTE

As to being pretentious, he played with my daughter's cello teacher's orchestra recently,

Not the LSO was it??

QUOTE

and the report back was he's really down to earth, up for a few beers and a chat  - but he has a bit of an addiction to Gameboys.

Maybe someone's dropped the hint - that he needed to lighten up a bit!!

On the Russian front, Vengerov and Repin have a healthy, friendly rivalry between them. Both have equal respect for each others playing and they both studied with the same teacher. There are no other Russians that immediately spring to mind in the Vadim/Repin league, but no doubt there are some 'child wonders' preparing to step into the limelight shoes at the earliest opportunity.

QUOTE (AmandaL @ Jan 7 2005, 12:51 PM)

Not the LSO was it??

Liverpool Phil - it was a premier of some piece which I'd never heard, didn't go to see and have now forgotten (sorry).

I'll look out for those Russians

I do agree that Anne-Sophie Mutter uses vibrato very liberally but I absolutely love the quality of tone she has, which for me at least personally really sings out.

I also enjoy David Oistrakh, who produced such a full, rounded, singing tone. Apparently he didn't play on a very good Strad either, and so proves the saying it is the violinist and not the violin.

For technical mastery of the violin, Jascha Heifetz definitely. Him and Milstein had such cleaniliness and accuracy in the playing even when they were going molto presto. It is pretty incredible to listen to, though my personal favourites leans towards players known for their tone more than their violin gymnastics.

That said, I would just LOVE to hear (and see) Paganini himjself play!

Here's a question which I would welcome anyone's thoughts on; in Anne Sophie Mutter's famous recording of the Bruch G minor with the Berlin Phil, the very first note at least on my CD appears to be played mp when it is marked f in the score. Do other people have the same impression? Do you like it? For me, the entire recording seems perfect apart from this one note which unfortunately appears in a pretty important position. I appreciate playing mp allows for a contrast with the next phrase which is played louder, but the importance of that effect to me doesn't match the importance of a striking entry, as is marked in the score. I have a recording by Kyung Wha Chung which from recollection plays the first note forte as marked.

I appreciate the above may show my ignorance but I would welcome any thoughts.

Paganini. I'm living in a time warp.

OK, Im sorry, but I'm going to bleat about those Russians again because I really think there's a lot of people out there who seem totally unaware of the astounding talent that's from Siberia.

As soloists go the Russians tend to keep their heads down and just get on with the job, which is why so many people ask "Maxim Vengerov...who's he???" Until recently (about the last two or three years) he's shunned the media and avoided the photographers, because he sees himself as a musician who wants to give music to the world, rather than lap up the personal stardom that often comes with.

Now read on..........

It depends on what you're 'into' as far as musical genre is concered, but Vengerov has certainly branched out.

He's spending some of this year studying jazz improvisation - an interest initially triggered off by the gypsy style violinist Roby Lakatos. They performed together at the Genius of the Violin concert held in April 2004 at the RAM. Vengerov was also one of the ajudicators for the Menuhin Violin Competition.

As violists and dual violin/violists will know, there is a very different technique to playing the viola to that of playing the violin. With this in mind, Vengerov's virtuosity is also proved by the fact that he learned to play the VIOLA...yes, the VIOLA....in just six weeks with a technique good enough to record the Walton Viola Concerto with the LSO. It's on a shared CD with his recording of the Britten Violin Concerto. The RAM loaned him the Stradivari 'Archinto' viola for the recording.

He will be premiering a viola concerto this year, which has been specially written for him.

His recordings range from Bach to Ysaye and everything in between, including works that probably haven't seen the light of day with most modern violin soloists.

Now if that's not one ###### of a talented musician.........

Not the best, but Nigel Kennedy is pretty cool.

Off to go and listen to Maxim Vengarov...

QUOTE

Not the best, but Nigel Kennedy is pretty cool

I'd agree there. He was the first to hit out and make younger generations realise that classical music is accessible by everyone.

He's also just released another CD, this time containing some obscure Vivaldi concertos. One is for violin and oboe and the others, for violin, are surprisingly brooding and dark for Vivaldi.

Yeah, I've got that CD and I love his interpretations, it convinced me to go to his concert which was amazing.

Thanks for the tips Amanda L.

On the strength of your recommendations I have just ordered Britten's Violin Concerto and Walton's Viola Concerto on EMI classic with Maxim Vengerov and the LSO conducted by Rostropovich. It apparently was voted 5th in Radio 3's "classical album of the year" for 2003. The Radio 3 reviewer says the only violist who draws a better sound from a viola is Yuri Bashmet, and that's only by a whisker. It's a generally rave review - can't wait! Incidentally by clicking on "17 new and used" in Amazon.co.uk I seem to be offered the same CD new from America for about half the price!

argh... will ya stop tempting me to buy more cds, people...!!!

QUOTE (sarah-flute @ Jan 10 2005, 12:57 PM)

argh... will ya stop tempting me to buy more cds, people...!!!

it's nice to buy more cds...as i can listen to different people....and concentrate on their playing and give fair opinion...(if i have to)

QUOTE (liebe_klavier @ Jan 11 2005, 05:07 PM)

QUOTE (sarah-flute @ Jan 10 2005, 12:57 PM) argh... will ya stop tempting me to buy more cds, people...!!!  :o  ;)  :rolleyes:  :D it's nice to buy more cds...as i can listen to different people....and concentrate on their playing and give fair opinion...(if i have to)

oh don't get me wrong! I LOVE buying and listening to new cds... I just reeeeeeeeeeeally can't afford to at the moment.....

Without a doubt it has to be Maxim Vengerov - his playing is mesmerising

QUOTE

Without a doubt it has to be Maxim Vengerov - his playing is mesmerising

THANK YOU!!!, Violinist.

I knew there had to be someone else out there who knows Maxim and his playing Simply jawdropping to watch in concert.

Agreed, i saw Maxim at the Barbican in December and he was just Soooo briliiant. Can't wait to see him again. Oh and i got two of his latest cd's for Christmas!!

In case you don't know he will be on BBC2 this Saturday 22nd at 9pm.

Alive...probably Perlman.
I'm actually not too keen on Vengerov - he really grinds the sound out, and, to me, it sounds ugly at times. I haven't heard a great deal of his playing though - only his Mendelsohn.

Dave

QUOTE (Dave_2004_G @ Jan 20 2005, 01:33 PM)

Alive...probably Perlman. I'm actually not too keen on Vengerov - he really grinds the sound out, and, to me, it sounds ugly at times. I haven't heard a great deal of his playing though - only his Mendelsohn. Dave

Now would that be recording he made about 11 years ago (when only 19) or a recent performance of the Mendelssohn you are referring to??

Vengerov's current performance of the Mendelssohn is totally different and so alive!

Janexxx

QUOTE (AmandaL @ Jan 18 2005, 04:20 PM)

QUOTE Without a doubt it has to be Maxim Vengerov - his playing is mesmerising THANK YOU!!!, Violinist. I knew there had to be someone else out there who knows Maxim and his playing :D Simply jawdropping to watch in concert.

Ahem!!! (clears throat)

I'm here too now!!!

Janexxx

Ahhh, Janexxx.

Is this the Jane I think it is??????

QUOTE (AmandaL @ Jan 23 2005, 07:19 PM)

Ahhh, Janexxx. Is this the Jane I think it is??????  ;)

I guess so!!

Not many of us in the Kreutzer club!! Talking of which I'd better get back to practising no 2, otherwise I'll never get anywhere near the standard of playing the Bach Chaconne as it was played last night on BBC2!!

Anyone else see this programme? I was particularly impressed with the Reich quartet "Different Train". And of course Maxim Vengerov!


Janexxx

QUOTE

Not many of us in the Kreutzer club!!  ;)

Exclusivity beyond all else I would say

No 2. from the Kreutzer studies I guess?? That's a really good warm up study as well. Gets the fingers loosened and the right arm in trim.

Done any Sevcik yet? The repetition bit can get tedious, but they are brilliant for technique and intonation.

QUOTE

Anyone else see this programme? I was particularly impressed with the Reich quartet "Different Train". And of course Maxim Vengerov!

Yes, I did see it. I thought the Reich quartet was good, but I've tended to prefer Philip Glass for minimalistic compositions - have you ever listened to his Koyanisquatsi (Life Out Of Balance). I was actually surprised how 'Glass like' the quartet was in its structure.

I thought putting the Chaconne as the last work a very fitting tribute, especially as it was one of the audition pieces for the Auschwitz orchestra. Seeing Maxim playing wearing a pair of mittens, reminded me of how he said he had to wear gloves while practicing in a cold basement as a child.

I have to say I'd also vote for Maxim Vengerov, having said that I'm not a violinist....

QUOTE (AnotherPianist @ Jan 24 2005, 01:46 PM)

I have to say I'd also vote for Maxim Vengerov, having said that I'm not a violinist....

You don't have to be a violinist to vote!

Maxim is clearly my favourite but I do also admire Vadim Repin, and Nikolaj Znaider. And anyone heard Sergey Khachatryan? He's very young and I was most impressed with his Sibelius.

(And Amanda...Yes Sevcik is a favourite of my teacher, I find myself doing lots (the 40 variations are a bit more interesting). My teacher's teacher had lessons from Sevcik, so no wonder he is a bit of fan.)

Janexxx

QUOTE (janexxx @ Jan 22 2005, 01:52 PM)

QUOTE (Dave_2004_G @ Jan 20 2005, 01:33 PM) Alive...probably Perlman. I'm actually not too keen on Vengerov - he really grinds the sound out, and, to me, it sounds ugly at times.  I haven't heard a great deal of his playing though - only his Mendelsohn. Dave Now would that be recording he made about 11 years ago (when only 19) or a recent performance of the Mendelssohn you are referring to?? Vengerov's current performance of the Mendelssohn is totally different and so alive! Janexxx

I'm not sure, I'm afraid, I heard it on the radio - it seemed as though as he was grinding every note out, and this piece needs a very sweet tone IMHO

Dave

[/QUOTE]
I'm not sure, I'm afraid, I heard it on the radio - it seemed as though as he was grinding every note out, and this piece needs a very sweet tone IMHO

Dave[/QUOTE]


Dave, thanks for the response. I have always found Maxim to have a beautiful tone when required. And I agree the Mendelssohn is a very romantic piece requiring (especially in the second movement) a lush tone.

I would not describe his playing as grinding, but I know he can be quite forceful and dynamic at times. Try listening to some other recordings, I would recommend the Britten.

And why don't you go and experience a live performance if you can.....are you in the UK? Barbican on 6 July? Maxim will be playing the Beethoven with the LSO. But be quick tickets are seling out fast!

Janexxx

Hi Jane,

I am in the UK, not in London though - getting down to London and back in a night is abit of a trek...I'll look out for him at Symphony Hall!

We don't seem to get very many good fiddle players around Birmingham at the moment - had to go down to London to see Perlman - now that was definitely worth it!

Dave

Hi Dave

I'm in the Midlands too, and also made the trip recently to London to see Perlman. For me it is impossible to do in a day if I am to stay for the second half, so can potentially be an expensive activity. I see though that there are a number of afternoon concerts in London on Sundays, which is good because you can get cheap rail fares. I am going this Sunday to see Vadim Repin play Sibelius at the RFH, it starts at 3:30.

Symphony Hall is a great venue (I'm going next month to see Pieter Wispelwey play a cello recital), with wonderful acoustics. And you do get a fair amount of good soloists there. Unfortunately not Maxim (so far, I feel some lobbying of the CBSO to book him might be appropriate). So don't hold your breath on that one.

Is Manchester any easier for you, Bridgewater Hall is another great venue (much better than anything they have in London) and has been attracting some great fiddlers recently.

Janexxx

[FONT=Optima][COLOR=purple]
I know I'm late posting to this but I haven't had internet access for ages!
Maxim Vengerov is just amazing.
I went to see him last July and although there were well over 1000 people in the audience I felt he was playing just for me.
The first half was a Brahms Sonata and all the seond half were encores as he said himself.
It was a very intimate type concert as he spoke before each piece.
He seemed so humble and down to earth.
The second half was well over an hour and I don't know how he kept going with the same energy piece after piece.
I thought he was just going to be great at the virtuoso showstoppers but he gave beautiful performances of Vocalise and Schindler's List too.
The climax for me had to be "Rondes des Lutins" when I sat with my mouth open for the whole piece.

QUOTE (janexxx @ Jan 28 2005, 09:05 AM)

Bridgewater Hall is another great venue (much better than anything they have in London) and has been attracting some great fiddlers recently.

I agree.

I saw Anthony Marwood last week perform Beethovens violin concerto in Dmajor.
Maybe one day I could play like that *she says, floating in dreamland*

Also, Jennifer Pike recently too.

Fiona

QUOTE (fiddlingfee @ Feb 14 2005, 01:31 PM)

Maxim Vengerov is just amazing. I went to see him last July and although there were well over 1000 people in the audience I felt he was playing just for me.

I was at that concert too, and I thought he was playing just for me . Seems like he can make everyone feel special.

Fiona, how did you like the Beethoven and how do you rate Jennifer Pike. She is so very young isn't she? I haven't heard her play yet.

I saw Vadim Repin a couple of weeks ago (it was Beethoven, not Sibelius as I previously posted). I have put a review of this on the fan website if you would like to read it.

http://htmlgear.tripod.com/guest/control.g...s&i=1001&a=view

Jane

Hi Jane

Thanks for the link. I shall have a good read on that site later.

Unfortunatley, I didn't get to Jennifer Pike. She was playing in the main concert hall at the RNCM when we were practising in our orchestra in another room down the corridor !

I think a few of us were fed up we didn't get to see her that night.
Will do next time though. She does have a fabulous reputation and yes, quite young. 15 I think.

As for the Beethoven, it was fab !

Anthony stood there on stage in his white suit, whilst the orchestra played the opening. He looked very cool and collected.
Even when he gently smoothed his jacket down, it was all slow motion.

Then when it was time, he just came alive !

He did have fantastic technique. They definatley did it justice.

I can't get the tune out of my head now. It was a brilliant piece and he was a fantastic violinist. Definatley recommend seeing him.

Fiona

QUOTE (AmandaL @ Jan 8 2005, 02:27 PM)

As soloists go the Russians tend to keep their heads down and just get on with the job, which is why so many people ask "Maxim Vengerov...who's he???" .....He's spending some of this year studying jazz improvisation - ....As violists and dual violin/violists will know, there is a very different technique to playing the viola to that of playing the violin. With this in mind, Vengerov's virtuosity is also proved by the fact that he learned to play the VIOLA...yes, the VIOLA....in just six weeks with a technique good enough to record the Walton Viola Concerto with the LSO. It's on a shared CD with his recording of the Britten Violin Concerto. The RAM loaned him the Stradivari 'Archinto' viola for the recording. He will be premiering a viola concerto this year, which has been specially written for him. His recordings range from Bach to Ysaye and everything in between, including works that probably haven't seen the light of day with most modern violin soloists. Now if that's not one ###### of a talented musician.........

I was so lucky to be at the premiere of the new viola concerto by Benjamin Yusupov this last week.

You can now officially add playing electric violin, rock improvisation and dancing (Yes, that's right.... dancing ) to the list of the talents Maxim Vengerov has acquired (or maybe he was born with ).

The new concerto was certainly a show stopper and a real experience, and not to be missed. Truly something different and very courageous. He will not be touring with it before 2007 due to other commitments, but watch out for a programme due to be broadcast this Autumn on the South Bank Show which is following Maxim throughout this last year as he prepares for the concerto, and will I am sure include some footage of the performance.

Jane

QUOTE (janexxx @ Jan 22 2005, 03:06 PM)

QUOTE (AmandaL @ Jan 18 2005, 04:20 PM) QUOTE Without a doubt it has to be Maxim Vengerov - his playing is mesmerising THANK YOU!!!, Violinist. I knew there had to be someone else out there who knows Maxim and his playing Simply jawdropping to watch in concert.

Agreed!
I saw him at the verbiers music festival.
I also love Kennedy, though he's had alot of crit from his latest recording of the seasons, I like what he did to them.

I suppose the greatest violinist in the world (I don't know much about them, even though I play violin... ) is....his name is LAKATOS! I think is fast playing is the greatest. I like fast playing.

And then there's Akira Senju...Midori Goto...

...and me

QUOTE (Viohazard @ May 18 2005, 12:01 PM)

...and me

*grin*

QUOTE (Viohazard @ May 18 2005, 12:01 PM)

I suppose the greatest violinist in the world (I don't know much about them, even though I play violin... ) is....his name is LAKATOS! I think is fast playing is the greatest. I like fast playing.

Oh Yes Roby Lakatos. A very exciting player. I was him in Verbier a couple of years ago and then also at the "Genius of the violin" gala in London.

Absolutely tremendous....I keep thinking of him as I try to play the Czardas for my Grade 5

Jane

We like Vadim Repin. He's so down to earth and has such a sense of humour! We are going to listen to Repin this November at LSO. Hurray!