Seeing Joshua Bell play in person is almost heart-stopping. Watching him play with such passion and vigor as he seemingly effortlessly attacks the notes in each piece, is something no recording alone can convey. It is no wonder that the celebrated violinist draws a full crowd of diverse ages, from very young to senior attendees. In the October 29 recital at Worcester, Massachusetts’ Mechanics Hall, presented by Music Worcester, Inc, Bell energetically moves, bends, and turns on the stage as he directs and plays simultaneously, enticing the audience deeply into the music.
In the limited recital series of 6 dates with pianist, Alessio Bax, Bell presents a performance that is stellar both musically and visually. The intimate setting provides the ability to highlight the two musicians’ cohesive musical partnership. This series comes in addition to Bell’s plethora of projects, including PBS special, Joshua Bell: Seasons of Cuba, airing in December, a member of arts education committee, Turnaround Arts, a guest spot on Amazon’s original series, Mozart in the Jungle, and a full touring schedule. A violinist since age 4, Bell has a storied musical career of over 30 years, including the notable 2007 undercover subway performance in Washington D.C. Amongst countless memorable experiences, his early performances still stand out as favorites. “My debut when I was 14 with the Philadelphia orchestra with [Riccardo] Muti was something I’ll never forget or playing in Carnegie Hall for the first time when I was 17 was something very special,” he says in a press conference call earlier in October.
Bell and Bax open the recital with Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major, Opus 12, No .2. As they play the first piece, Bell creates vibrant light, bouncy notes with the bow movements and Bax’s hands skillfully dance along the keyboard, reflecting on the glistening surface of the black Steinway & Sons piano. The two instruments answer each other whimsically and the musicians harmoniously blend together in notes and as co-performers. “What’s fun about that piece is that I also played that piece when I was very young […] [T]he second sonata is full of humor and it’s very funny and quirky,” Bell says. “But it’s really a fun way to start the program. […] It’s a really underplayed work so I’m glad we get to play it.”
The recital also presents two works by Brahms, perhaps a slight nod to his recently released album, For the Love of Brahms, available from Sony Classical. The album features Bell with musicians, pianist Jeremy Denk and cellist Steven Isserlis, as well as the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, of which Bell has been Music Director since 2011. Works included are Brahms’ Double Concerto in A minor, Op.102, Schumann’s violin Concerto in D minor, and the 1854 version of Brahms’ Piano Trio in B Major op.8. “This early version really gives you a glimpse at the younger Brahms—a little more impetuous, a little less rounded edge, a little more raw and emotional,” Bell says. “It’s fascinating and I think Brahms at the same time appreciated the early version,” he adds, noting that Brahms never destroyed the manuscript.
The Brahms pieces in the recital, Scherzo in C minor for violin and piano (from the F-A-E Sonata) and Sonata No. 32 for Violin and Piano in D minor Op. 108, do not appear on the album, but are notable performance pieces. Bell and Bax powerfully perform Brahms’ dynamic works, presenting the different emotional tones throughout the movements. The musicians connect well to each other and the audience; they briefly pause dramatically to exchanging glances and keep everyone in suspense before launching into the next powerful movement.
Debussy’s Sonata In G minor for Violin and Piano L 140 is a fine showpiece for both musicians. The smooth, lyrical notes emit warmth and richness as they resonate throughout the hall, like the deep vermillion color of Bell’s 1713 Huberman Stradivarius violin shining under the stage lights. A real highlight was Bell’s solo piece, Ysaÿe’s Solo Violin Sonata No.3 in D Minor, Op. 27 “Georges Enescu.” He often closes his eyes as the music takes over, almost as if he is merging with his violin and the notes they create together. Though the audience seems mesmerized throughout the whole recital, this particular piece resonates deeply with the crowd, giving recurring standing ovations.
In the final piece, Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy, Bell plays completely from memory, confidently launching into the piece like he is seeing an old friend. For other works in the recital, he has sheet music to refer to on the music stand next to him, but for this piece, the notes seem to be ingrained in his memory. The Stradivarius lives up to its name in the brief solo bits, singing in pure tones as he shifts high on the fingerboard. Bell plays at an inhuman speed in the final piece of the gypsy dance, further adding to the fact that only listening to him is just part of his whole performance.
After the audience’s resounding reception, Bell and Bax finished with an encore. Before they played Manuel Ponce’s Estrellita, Bell meaningfully addresses the audience. He relays that it has been 30 years since he played at Mechanics Hall under late Maestro Joseph Silverstein, to whom he dedicates the piece. Like the meaning of title, ‘little star,’ both musicians shine in this moving piece, a fitting close to a spectacular evening.
For more information on Joshua Bell’s projects and his current tour, visit his website here.
Visit pianist Alessio Bax’s website here.
Originally featured in Wordsby Arts & Culture News.
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