Music: From Hilary to Bill

Of the many young violinists before the public today, Hilary Hahn may be the most impressive. Last season, she gave a recital in Carnegie Hall that was a model of musicianship. It included a Bach partita, that composer being central to the young lady’s career, thought, and satisfaction.

She has now recorded the Bach concertos, with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra conducted by Jeffrey Kahane. This is a distinguished recording-found on Deutsche Grammophon-with Hahn’s playing intelligent and disciplined, as usual. But it is a little brusque: a little cold, a bit mechanical. Hahn could stand to loosen somewhat, and she probably will, as she moves beyond her 23 years. But a certain inflexibility is preferable to the thoughtless meanderings that other musicians commit.

About the Author

Jay Nordlinger

Jay Nordlinger was a senior editor of National Review and a book fellow at National Review Institute.

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Of the many young violinists before the public today, Hilary Hahn may be the most impressive. Last season, she gave a recital in Carnegie Hall that was a model of musicianship. It included a Bach partita, that composer being central to the young lady’s career, thought, and satisfaction.

She has now recorded the Bach concertos, with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra conducted by Jeffrey Kahane. This is a distinguished recording-found on Deutsche Grammophon-with Hahn’s playing intelligent and disciplined, as usual. But it is a little brusque: a little cold, a bit mechanical. Hahn could stand to loosen somewhat, and she probably will, as she moves beyond her 23 years. But a certain inflexibility is preferable to the thoughtless meanderings that other musicians commit.