Every track on this CD contains a beautiful melody, many of them easily recognizable, all of them exuding tranquility. "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi opens the disc, with Bell delicately accompanied by a harp and spinning the long melody with great sensitivity. Bellini's "Casta diva" from Norma lives up to its reputation as the epitome of bel canto in Bell's hands; his violin sings. The middle movement of Mozart's 21st Piano Concerto takes well to the violin, and Debussy's "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" is played with great warmth and sensuality. It would be easy to turn a recital like this into treacle, but Bell is wise enough to realize that the music is already sweet enough and he plays with great reserve and a minimum of sentimental slides. The light accompaniments always support, with woodwinds prominent but used with grace. This CD, in short, is a beauty: a fine gift, a lovely mood setter. --Robert Levine
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: The paradox of sensitivity and sentimentality Comment: The sumptuous tone that characterises Joshua Bell's CD provides what promises to be a brilliant listening experience. But for me there is a very fine line between sensitivity and sentimentality and too often he slithers over into unlovely swoops and slurs. Lush lyricism or sloppy sentiment? I don't think I will be listening to this CD very often but I will buy his interpretation of Tchaikovsky's Violin concerto which is a wonderful test of sensitivity v. sentimentality and see whether he will let the great composer speak. Customer Rating: Summary: Romance of the Violin Comment: Great violin work. Take your time to listen to it in its entirety. You will be trasported to the concert hall without being there. Customer Rating: Summary: Never thought I could like the violin this much Comment: Okay I play the clarinet...maybe not trained but still so I can belt out a few notes...yet. My brother played the violin for many years, but his playing never sounded like this...sorry Dave. Wonderful soft..love the flow to this album. I use it as background music at home the office and to fall asleep with. I will be checking him out more often and his new disc as well. Customer Rating: Summary: Joshua Hits The Bell Comment: This is a moving and mesmerizing album which is so soothing it might be
prescribed by a doctor for people suffering from stress or melancholia.
The tonality of Bell's instrument is like a high-powered diva who knows precisely how to hit,fondle or sustain every note. In by-passing predictable violin solos and incorporating operatic excerpts, it searingly brings to life music we know and have loved in very different contexts. Great for the long freeway rides. Lifts you out of the traffic and into an astral realm free of road-hogs, motorized policemen and teen-aged speed demons. Music to soothe trouble souls. Highly recommended. Customer Rating: Summary: romanceoftheviolin Comment: a trained violinist, to me he does not feel the music, therefore, his playing is not inspiring.
