Interesting...I have been debating about this particular one. How do you compare with the any others you might have heard? I have:
- Hilary Hahn
- Grumiaux
- Rachel Podger
- Itzhak Perlman
- James Ehnes
Great question. Let me have a think on it.
My instinctive reaction is that I am not qualified nor should I pass any form of judgement on any of these artists: I mean I can’t even hold a violin properly. Who am I to hold any opinion on any of them?
That said I do acknowledge that inevitably we may care more for one type of performance than another according to what may be thought as personal preference. Of all the artists above….no - I cannot say. All are different all wonderful. And I would have to go back and listen to the various performances again.
I will say I enjoyed this recording immensely. The playing was first rate - top notch - and production itself crisp - frankly flawless - recording really has gotten better these last few years.
I like Harmonia Mundi very much.
Faust plays these at a fair clip. She is, to my ears, confident in her bow action - on the front edge - almost impatient. It is - again to these old ears - a performance of energy.
I loved it.
Caveat being I am currently dosed up on copious atypical opioids and hypnotics recovering from the attentions of a spinal surgeon.
I have my speakers set up in my bedroom approximately 3 ft apart and 4 ft away aimed at my legs being played at most 60-65 db - and as you can see I’m streaming from chromecast into an older Denon mini system: long story but lightest and easiest to move: path of least resistance.
I’m not exactly Grammophone Magazine.
Hearty recommendation, regardless.