Romance of the Violin | Joshua Bell, Giacomo Puccini

Romance of the Violin | Joshua Bell, Giacomo Puccini | Ahhhhh!

classical music:

Romance of the Violin

	Romance of the Violin Joshua Bell, Giacomo Puccini Sony, 2003 average customer review:based on 62 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A Stradivarius Sings

The music on this CD has to be some of the most astonishly beautiful music around. Joshua Bell's interpretations of these masterpiece works (transposed from piano or voice to violin) wonderfully bring out their timeless melodies in true Romantic depth and passion. While Mr. Bell's level of virtuosity far exceeds the technical demands of these lyrical pieces, he fully embraces the core of them with a gorgeous artistry and depth. The ironic thing about the music chosen here is that none was composed for the violin. But, as Bell cites in the notes, certain works really come alive in a new and deeper way when transposed to violin and its wide ranging "singing voice." After listening to his interpretations for violin of Mozart's famous Piano Concerto #21, the Chopin Nocture and Puccini's aria, it is hard to disagree with him - although some purists will brussle.

Even many hard-core critics who often shun such interpretations that are "overly sweet" as this one, still admit that such music is hard to surpass its sheer beauty and ability to create that perfect magical, romantic ambiance. The music here is less about virtuoso flashiness and more about an exceptional violinist drawing out the deepest, most passionate tone and emotional lyricism from these legendary compositions. The result is yes, very honey-toned, but the compositions and musicianship are equistite. The music is absolutely enchanting, alluring and lingers like a sweet fragrance for hours after ... making it perfect for a romantic interlude. A perfect CD for those newer to classical music or those who enjoy a romantic dinner with beautiful music that does not intrude but inspires with its beauty, love and passion.

The music clips do not do justice to the impeccable sound on this CD, which is created in part by Joshua Bell's newest violin - his very, very expensive "Gibson" 1713 Stadivarius (acquired around 2001 I think). The sound that Bell (and the Sony engineers) develop from this rare instrument may be the pinnacle of perfected violin sound on disc. It is mesmerizing to hear and the best recorded violin sound I have heard. The tragic yet redeeming history of this magnificent violin is quite interesting and can be read on www.joshuabell.com for those interested in such things. One of Joshua's finest efforts to date - 5 stars.

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Ahhhhh!

Since I'm not a muscian, I can't analyze the technical reasons that make Josuah Bell's performance so beautiful. I only know his exquisite music calls up my deepest emotions and most treasured memories. I swooned!

Fluid and Poetic

I love classical music and jazz. Like my mother, I have been playing the piano since the age of six. I have many CDs and I love going to the concerts. The classical music is all about understating, appreciating the different forms, compositions, interpretations, and nuances of music.

In Romance of the Violin Joshua Bell gives fluid and poetic interpretation to the pieces by Chopin, Puccini, Schubert and others. If these carefully chosen sensuous pieces by some of the greatest composers don't get you into the romantic mood, I don't know what else would!

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Perfect "End of Day" CD

Listen to it everyday after work or after a day with new baby. Actually, the baby loves it, too! Can't get enough.

Relaxing...

I never liked violins, violas, etc before until I heard Joshua Bell. Wow! I first heard him on a Josh Groban CD and had to look him up. I picked this CD as my first one to buy due to the other reviews on amazon.com. It's full of relaxing and familiar music. I love it! He can PLAY! It's a little "heavy" toward the end, but all in all I would buy it again.

reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, page 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

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