Search - Hadelich, Cologne Chamber Orchestra :: Haydn: Violin Concertos

Lovely first album by extraordinary violinist

September | 07/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was not very familiar with Haydn's violin concertos but I am tremendously enjoying this album. Haydn's violin concertos are perhaps not frequently played in concert halls nor recorded by already-established violinists and it is a pleasure to hear them soloed by a brilliant violinist, Augustin Hadelich. He's brought a whole new character and color into the work and the sound he is creating especially in the slow Adagio sections is exquisite. I had the opportunity to hear him live earlier this year and it was truly the most unforgettable musical experience of my life. His virtuosity was astonishing but I was most moved by the incredible depth of his music making. He seems to have the special ability to touch the very core of music and tell us the story of the music in a unique, inspiring way. His playing does remind me of Arthur Grumiaux because of the sincerity and nobility of the sound. And like Grumiaux, Hadelich's playing is about the music not about himself. I think many people can feel that in this album."

A Rising Star ?

Ross Kennett | Narooma, NSW Australia | 06/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Haydn: Violin Concertos



There are four surviving violin concertos by Haydn, on this CD we have nos 1,3 and 4. The soloist is the 24 year old Augustin Hadelich making what is probably his first recording, accompanied by the strings of the Cologne Chamber Orchestra, Naxos' "house orchestra", which has made very many fine recordings.

The concertos were probably written for Luigi Tomasini, the leader of Haydn's orchestra, and the early performances would have been directed by Haydn from the harpsichord. As this is a modern interpretation the harpsichord has a minor role, and there is plenty of bow pressure on the strings and plenty of vibrato, in fact too much in a few very short passages in the slow movements. But overall soloist and orchestra combine well and have produced a very fine recording of these virtuoso works.

I have the recent re-releases on Australian Eloquence of two of these concertos played by Arthur Grumiaux, THE violinist of the middle of the 20th century; Grumiaux was superb playing Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven. To say that Hadeldich is almost as good is praise indeed.

I can easily forgive a little wobbley vibrato, made up for by an otherwise fine performance, the excellent sound, and the bargain price."

Remarkable renditions

M. Atkinson | 12/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These pieces are not the height of Haydn's compositional inventiveness, but Hadelich's performances are make even an ordinary score vivacious. Keep an eye out as he comes out with other recordings: they will, as this one does, be very much worth your time and interest."