Violin virtuoso Hilary Hahn performed in concert last Saturday night to a nearly sold-out Page Auditorium. From the first confident chord to the final graceful flourish, the performance proved brilliant, as was expected. Only the jingle of an inconsiderate audience member's cell phone during a pause between pieces marred the concert experience.
The haunting strains of YsaA¿e's first violin sonata captivated the listeners. Hahn's seemingly effortless intonation and articulation included an impressive passage played ponticello-that is, playing very close to the violin's bridge-as well as some left-hand pizzicato-plucking the violin's strings. Filling the hall with the rich and clear tone she is known for, Hahn also played Enescu's Sonata No. 3 for violin and piano, a piece stylistically reminiscent of Romanian folk dances. Accompanying Hahn was pianist Natalie Zhu. Using delicate but calculated fingerwork, Zhu complemented Hahn's playing style well in this piece.
The performance included several works rarely performed in concert; she also incorporated classics such as Paganini-caprice-inspired Paganiniana for Violin by Milstein. The collection of pieces showcased Hahn's incredible versatility in violin technique, featuring "old" music by Mozart and Beethoven, as well as "newer" music such as the Milstein.
Hahn's technical flair and remarkable stage presence were untiring throughout the entire concert. She finished the evening with a flashy encore by Prokofiev. Hahn and Zhu also graciously stayed afterward to sign autographs and greet enthusiastic audience members. In the end, the concert was well worth the hour-long wait in line at the box office.
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