Classical reviews: April 12

In 27 Pieces, The Hilary Hahn Encores. Hilary Hahn (violin), Cory Smythe (piano). Deutsche Grammophon 2CDs.

Virtuoso violinists usually toss off a Paganini or Sarasate showpiece as their encores but applause goes to Hahn's crusade: to commission and showcase contemporary short pieces (limit five minutes).

She explored the field and personally contacted 27 composers; the resultant pieces filling two discs. All are interesting and challenging, although slightly less ''showy'' than I had expected. In the programme is local composer Gillian Whitehead's fine Torua (the bellbird) with inspiration from Christchurch quakes, and all the others are impressively different.

Among my favourites: Do Yun's When a Tiger Meets a Rosa Rugosa, Higdon's Echo Dash, Dorman's Memory Games, the hoedown in Bates' Ford's Farm, Satoh's Bifu, imitation guitar feedback in Sharp's Storm of the Eye.

Highlight: New violin magic, brilliantly performed.


Mozart Arias. Emma Matthews (soprano), Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. ABC CD.

Australian coloratura soprano Matthews shows tonal depth in ''Der Holle Rache'' (Queen of the Night) aria from The Magic Flute, with those stratospheric high Fs, and warmth in lower registers in some of the other eight arias.

Some of them are lesser known but all typically Mozart, being full of operatic drama and depth of feeling. She also portrays Pamina well in ''Ach, ich fuhl's'' (Alas, I feel It). Other operas represented are Scipio's Dream, Zaide, and The Marriage of Figaro.

Arko Letonja conducts the Tasmanian orchestra, and the soloist commends in the accompanying booklet the oboe playing of David Nuttal - he impresses in the duet ''Vorrei spiergarvi, oh Dio'' KV418 (written for Anfossi's opera that flopped.) Lyrics and translations are provided.

Highlight: Mozart arias well presented.


 

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