Beautiful and mature performances from a gifted prodigy.
D. R. Schryer | Poquoson, VA United States | 07/12/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The great cellist Rostropovich took a special interest in the exceptionally-gifted young cellist, Han-Na Chang, and conducts the accompaniment on her debut recording. Listening to this incredible young artist one can understand why Rostropovich regarded her as special. Personally, I've never heard a better performance of Tchaikovsky's Roccoco Variations and her performance of the Saint Saens Concerto can stand comparison with that by the incomperable Rostropovich. The performance of Bruch's Kol Nidrei is also quite beautiful. Chang is an exceptionally-gifted young artist whose performances have a maturity which belies her age. Highly recommended."
Young talent with mature musicianship
D. R. Schryer | 03/14/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A young musician is inevitably vulnerable to intense criticism when trying to tackle great masterpieces. Despite the present danger, Chang, on her debut CD, courageously picked to play some of the most beloved works in the cello repertoire. She is competing with Casals' conviction, Du Pre's passion, and Ma's virtuosity and sensitivity. Of course, it'd be obnoxious to place her performance abreast to those of the great masters. However, she clearly makes her own foot prints in performance of these pieces. Her mature musicianship is apparent. She takes incredible risks in playing the Tschaikovsky and the Elegie is nothing short of emotionally uplifting. The CD gives a glimpse of a great cellist that is in the making."
Gorgeous
D. R. Schryer | 05/11/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This piece is so beautiful, I'm amazed that it has so little recognition. And with a cellist that has an almost inconcievable talent, I hope that it does get heard. The 6th Variation brings me to tears everytime that I hear it. This is one of Tchaikovsky's best pieces, and by far the best performence of it!"
Magnificent
Stuart Bloom | 08/07/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There oughta be a law against anyone this young being this talented. Unlike most wunderkinder, this young lady is more than a technical virtuoso -- much more. The meaning with which she infuses every piece on this CD is truly remarkable. The Faure and Bruch pieces are especially noteworthy."
Wonderful playing
Biblibio | 02/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Han-Na Chang plays all of these pieces so beautifully. Her sound is so lovely it's practically painful. It's wonderfully played, both beautiful and nice sounding all at once. While every piece on this CD is spectacular, Kol Nidrei by Bruch is my favorite, because Chang gets the sound across so beautifully in that piece. Every other song (the concerto, the variations, etc.) is just as amazing, but of them all, Chang's playing of the Bruch is my favorite.
It's a great CD, played by an amazing young artist whose talent cannot be argued with. Chang is an extremely talented cellist, and this CD shows it off with a group of superbly played music. I recommend this whole-heartedly."