Violin Forum/Message Board

Gizmo · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 8:38 am Post subject: Artists

I have become disenchanted with violin performances being that I realize that virtuosity seems to have become a matter of acrobatic technique. So be it. There are times I was very impressed.
However, what happened to music ? What performer today is considered at the pinnacle of style, interpretation, emotion, etc. ??
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I NEVER PRACTICE. I'M NOT FAMOUS YET.

francois · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 10:21 am Post subject:

This is a very interesting topic, Gizmo!
Unfortunately I don't have much answers, in the violin or classical genre.

But as an (amateur) jazz bassist, I must say that when I was younger, I was also impressed by technical virtuosity, with players such as the late NHOP, but as I grew older, I was more interested by the depth of the playing, not the number of notes.
Charlie Haden is an example.
Slow but very sensitive playing.

Miles Davis is also a very good example of the virtue of silence in music.
When he was younger, he began with the boppers (Charlie Parker, etc.) and his phrasing was in that style.
But in the 50's when he developed his cool jazz style, he went into a whole new territory. He remained innovative throughout his career.

Amalia · Member Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 129

Gizmo, did you listen to Robert Cani, at the link I posted in the other thread? I'm really excited about his playing. Let me know what you think.

Gizmo · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 11:55 am Post subject: Artists

Yes, a welcome special touch on that too-short Cani clip !

Maybe it has something to do with avoiding the American Suzuki cult and/or the competitive nature of violin pedagogy (?)
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I NEVER PRACTICE. I'M NOT FAMOUS YET.

grace · Member Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 36

I'm not very familiar with artists but I've always loved Sharon Corr. She's not 'acrobatical' (she was never even seen or heard playing in 3rd or even 3nd position) but her tone is just beautiful and her composition Rebel Heart is just goosebumps-raising! Plus she can sing while playing violin as well! talk about multi-tasking!

I'm also in love with Zoe Conway, an Irish violinist who plays both traditional and classical music.. and brilliantly at that! She's your acrobatic performer but her music's got spirit at least!