Lisa Batiashvili
On Saturday, November 3, 2012, I decided to watch the Berlin Philharmonic on-line. More than 10 years ago, while I was on a visit to Toronto, Canada, I heard this violinist perform the violin Concerto by Jean Sibelius. I still recall that concert: While she handled the music reasonably well, what was missing was the fire, the emotion, and the intensity that Sibelius’ music requires.
So… I was curious what Ms. Batiashvili would sound like in the performance of the Violin Concerto number 1 by Sergei Prokofiev. I was pleasantly surprised. Ten years is a long time in which to hone one’s craft, and Ms. Batiashvili has done well.
The concert began with a short tribute on the occasion of the death of composer Hans Werner Henze. Cellist Olaf Maninger played the composition titled ‘Epitaph’. Then came a totally delightful performance of Igor Stravinsky’s Ballet titled “Jeu de Carte”. It is the composer’s description of a game of Poker. I liked it a lot; it was fun to hear. The next work on the program was the violin concerto number one by Prokofiev.
I liked the concerto performance. Ms. Batiashvili played in a very assured way. Her musical line was nicely integrated with the orchestral parts. Her sound was clean, balanced, and it projected well toward the audience.
After the concerto, the audience got an encore: Dance of the Dolls by Shostakovich.
Here is Lisa Batiashvili in the Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 1 in D, op. 19; Andantino – Andante assai
And next, here is the second movement: Lisa Batiashvili plays Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in D, op. 19 – second movement titled ‘Scherzo’
Tags: Lisa Batiashvili, Prokofiev, violin concerto, Berlin Philharmonic