Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Antonin Dvorak :: Gil Shaham: Violin Romances - (Orpheus Chamber Orchestra)

Gil Shaham Shines

Robert E. Nylund | Ft. Wayne, Indiana United States | 10/31/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gil Shaham has been a regular guest artist with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and, whether I've heard him in person or via the rebroadcast of the concert on National Public Radio station WBNI, it has always been a treat to hear him play. He is usually interviewed for the broadcasts, too, and he is as fascinating and enthusiastic a speaker as he is a player. He genuinely enjoys what he does and this comes across in his warm playing.I am a big fan of Fritz Kreisler and have long enjoyed the short pieces that he wrote and performed, both in live performances and for Victor recordings. The first recording I ever heard of Kreisler was a 78-rpm album called "My Favorites," which featured a remarkable full color photograph of the musician (something rare in the 1940's). He included arrangements for solo violin and full orchestra of his most popular works, some of which are included in this recording. Kreisler's music is nostalgic and touching; he made no effort to go along with twentieth century musical trends and was still very successful as a composer and performer. It's great to hear his music again in these modern performances, expertly played by Gil Shaham and the Orpheus Orchestra.I acquired this recording via a record club and have really enjoyed it. These are some of the lighter, shorter works by a variety of composers and they are all extremely enjoyable. The playing is exquisite throughout and conductor-less Orpheus Orchestra provides very fine accompaniment. (It always amazes me how well these musicians play without a conductor; they obviously are very gifted, skilled musicians and this is apparent in this recording.)Shaham has also spoken enthusiastiacally about his recordings, which he immensely enjoys making since he can reach a wider audience than could ever hear him in concert or recital. This is definitely one of his best recordings."

Beautiful music; gorgeous playing.

D. R. Schryer | Poquoson, VA United States | 09/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No violinist I've ever heard has a tone as gorgeous as Gil Shaham. Shaham's gorgeous tone, as well as his artistic taste and easy-going temperament, make this excellent collection of violin romances a joy to listen to. This may or may not be great music, depending upon your taste, but it certainly is beautiful music, beautifully performed."

Gil Shaham is my favourite violinist and I love his playing.

D. R. Schryer | 12/10/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gil has been my favourite young violinist for quite some time and I think he is just brilliant. This CD has some of the most gorgeous pieces of music ever written for the violin and he plays them all beautifully."