Hilary Hahn

With two Grammy Awards under her belt, Hilary Hahn delivers an exceptional performance every time. Of course most violinists begin training at a very young age, and it’s evident from the way that Hahn commands the orchestra and uses her violin as an extension of herself that she is a natural, and so I wasn’t surprised to hear that she has been playing since just before her fourth birthday. The concerto that she was playing with was played entirely by memory on her part, and the timing, riffs, and complex melodies were absolutely spot on, and the rest of the orchestra reacted superbly to her lead.

I’ve listened to all 15 of her albums time and time again, but hearing her perform live is something else entirely. The way that she dedicates herself entirely to her instrument is completely engaging for the audience, and she held the entire theatre in absolute silence throughout her performance. As well as playing with the orchestra, she performed some of her original compositions, which were met with rapturous applause. She plays with such emotion and concentration, yet all the while makes it look like the easiest instrument in the world. One of my favourite tracks by Hahn was her collaboration with Josh Ritter, but unfortunately she wasn’t able to play it at her show. However, if they tour together, I’d love to hear the crossover of classical music and singer songwriter performed live.

Wonderful, fascinating. She, and the orchestra and the conductor (and the public, and I, too:)) all enjoyed, it way obvious, I saw it cleary. After the concert, Hilary wrote autograms, she was smiling and lovely, as always. It was really honest, how the conductor and the orchestra also loved the music and the work together, that was clearly a play of the music. And Wien is also beautiful, a piece diamond of the european culture.

Poor, morose audience, rote playing, and some dozed off in the middle. It just didn't click last night, and Hahn is an expert. I'm guessing she said she was tired from all of the travel or that her bandmates were needing a break for the weekend. By the way, her bandmates must be ready to play no matter what.

She was splendid! There are a lot of very good violinists out there and indeed this night BSO featured many...But ..as in all things there those few that stand out and called be Great.Hillary Hahn ...is..a...great violinist.