Back in 1970, Kyung Wha Chung’s early success helped to open the doors of international concert halls to dozens of Asian violinistic “Wunderkinder”. Thirty years later, she’s still one of the best violinists of our time, blessed with a secure technique, gorgeous tone, and flamboyant if classically balanced temperament. She plays this collection of “favorite violin pieces” with a loving care for every note. Chung may not play the most thrilling Zigeunerweisen (Sarasate) in terms of sheer technical excitement, but you will never hear a single ugly or even indifferent note coming from her bow. Dvorak’s Romantic Pieces rarely have sounded so beautiful and simply emotional; Szymanowski’s sensual Notturno e Tarantella receives a definitive performance; and Jacques Ibert’s Le petit Âne blanc shows plenty of good humor. Kreisler’s miniatures and Massenet’s “Méditation” from Thaïs stand out from the heavy competition thanks to stylish phrasing, immaculate legato, and intense lyricism. Though not quite as out-of-this-world as Anne-Sophie Mutter’s recording for Deutsche Grammophon, Debussy’s Beau Soir in the amazing transcription by Heifetz floats in the air like a rare perfume. Made famous by his early partnership with Maxim Vengerov, pianist Itamar Golan hasn’t lived up to early expectations. Here he reveals himself as a rhythmically strong presence that knows how to play discreetly when needed. The recording respects the Korean violinist’s purity of tone and bronze-like sonority. In all, this CD makes for a perfect introduction to Kyung Wha Chung’s art.
