Sarah Chang - Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1 ~ Saint-SaA«ns: Havanaise / Sawallisch

what right or wrong?

"It's all wrong! Absolutely wrong! [...] Sarah Chang has no idea how cute and fun this concerto is!"

Each to his or her own interpretation isn't it? Meaning that there is no right or wrong. The performance is excellent in technique as is the musicality. Overall such qualities in her performance make this an excellent recording. February 25, 2006

Flawless, but bloodless

Compared with the recording by her predecessor in 4-string phenom-hood, Midori, Chang's is smoother, more polished, and more musical - especially in the ultra-high range. So as a demonstration of virtuosity, I suppose Chang has to get the nod. But even in the music of Paganini, chops aren't everything. Where is the crowd-pleasing theatricality, the joy in untrammeled mastery? If you can't sound like you're having fun when you're playing a juicy cheeseburger of a concerto like this one, maybe you spent a little too much time practicing your instrument. November 7, 2004

great sounding recording

Sarah Chang is a non-nonsense kind of a performer. She has tecnique and she has great musical common-sense. No wonder she is so succesful in her career. Perhaps not a musical genius, but a very fine violinist nontheless. Her Paganini is exactly what it needs to be: Direct, clean, fast, with big sound. The recording itself sounds great and Sawallisch is a great accompanist. The Havanaise is a bit to stiff for my taste, however. Nevertheless, still enjoyable. May 31, 2004

Agreement with the Second Post

Um, I am currently a high school student and I can play the D major Paganini, especially the Adagio, as well as her. The guy that posted second is exactly right. This is not a classical piece but rather a romantic piece, so flare up that wide vibrato and stop being so strict and technical. Yes, I agree, technicallity is a great thing, but musicallity will win someone's heart.

Also, Introduction to Rondo and Cap. is a lovely piece. I don't agree with her interpretation, especially the beginning. The concertmaster of our orchestra played this piece last year, and I would rather listen to her (it helps I know this person though). April 18, 2004

Absolutely brilliant

I have been a fan of sarah for a long time now...I live in hawaii and she came here to do a concert and i was just amazed then i became interested in her. This recording has everything, fabulous technique, amazing emotions, and it just melts your heart away. I am a young violinist myself and i have been looking up to Miss Chang, Mr. Perlman and more but this recording is absolutely great.
The paganini concerto is absolutely advanced and i've played the third movement before and i cant play the first but sarah makes u believe that she is nicolo paganini and its just brilliant.
The reason i bought this cd was for the saint-saens and it's just amazing. I especially love the introduction because she plays so well and effortlessly. I have played the introduction before but not as well as her. She amazes me more everyday. I dont know what u guys are talking bout..giving her a 3 star out of 5. If you can do better i would like to hear it...
one word for this cd...FABULOUS August 8, 2003

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