The Week in Reviews, Op. 162: Cho-Liang Lin, James Ehnes, Yevgeny Kutik; Eugene Shepherd (1920-2016)

December 19, 2016, 10:49 AM · In an effort to promote the coverage of live violin performance, Violinist.com each week presents links to reviews of notable concerts and recitals around the world.

Cho-Liang Lin performed the Hsiao with the Taiwan Philharmonic.

Los Angeles Times: "The concerto turns out to have more in common with lush romantic violin concertos from golden-age-of-Hollywood composers than Rachmaninoff. Taiwanese folk music, lavishly harmonized in Hollywood glory, is the basis for much of the score. The violin lines are conventionally virtuosic. The performance was opulent."

Cho-Liang Lin. Photo by Paul Body.

James Ehnes performed Shostakovich's First Violin Concerto with the New World Symphony.

South Florida Classical Review: " The soloist’s impeccable technique and artistic maturity, partnered with Oundjian’s non-invasive conducting, honored the music by letting it speak powerfully for itself."

Yevgeny Kutik performed Gandolfi's "Arioso Doloroso/Estatico" in recital.

The Boston Musical Intelligencer: "Kutik is a violinist worth hearing. His tasteful playing embodies elegance, tonal beauty, and charm."

Nikolaj Znaider performed Mozart's First Violin Concerto in concert with the London Symphony Orchestra.

The Guardian: " Znaider’s virtuosity was obvious enough. In the first concerto, though, his fingers occasionally ran away with him, losing the sense of freshness and innocent poise; in the fourth, equilibrium was restored and the sound of his Guarneri del Gesù made the central Andante speak warmly."

Cecilia Quartet performed at the Library of Congress in its annual tribute to Antonio Stradivari.

Washington Classical Review: "This all-women string quartet from Canada, formed in 2004 and named in honor of music’s patron saint, won the Banff International String Quartet Competition in 2010. In addition to that First Prize, the group took the top prize for a performance of the new work commissioned for the competition, Ana Sokolovic’s Commedia dell’Arte.No surprise, then, that they also excelled in the two most contemporary works on this concert."

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In other news, violinist and long-time Santa Rosa Symphony concertmaster Eugene Shepherd has passed away, at age 96.

The Press Democrat: "Shepherd never let his serious musical talent get in the way of his sense of humor, and he was known as much for his corny musical puns and bad viola jokes as he was for his sweet vibrato and phrasing."

Eugene Shepherd. Photo by Tom Graves.

Finally, if you are looking for some of the best recorded performances from the past year, be sure to check out our 2016 Violinist.com Holiday Gift Guide. And, as always, please support music in your community by attending a concert or recital whenever you can!

Replies

Richard Stone

December 20, 2016 at 05:33 PM · Eugene Shepherd was my teacher in the late fifties until the mid sixties. He was one of the most influential people in my life and taught me to see the beauty of classical music. He taught so many of us in Santa Rosa through private lessons, junior high teacher and the Junior Symphony. He will be remembered and loved for his caring and respectful way to teaching. See you in a few more years, Gene.

Laurie Niles

December 24, 2016 at 12:12 AM · Wow Richard, it sounds like Mr. Shepherd really made a difference. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and memories!

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