Sibelius Violin Concerto, soloist Hillary Hahn

[Jeebo]

There are performances of it on YouTube and I just watched one. I love Sibelius, especially his third and fifth symphonies, the Swan of Tuonela, and the violin concerto.

While I was enjoying it, I noticed something stunning about when and where it was performed, by the New Zealand Symphony on September 7! Of this year! None of the people in that orchestra crowded on that stage were wearing masks! Neither were the audience members! And no social distancing!

How can they do that in their country while we're having to put up with a raging pandemic in ours?

It must be because their leaders are SANE and RESPONSIBLE in dealing with the plague and have gotten it under control, while ours are ... well, you know.

I'm actually ashamed to be an American. President Orange Con Man and his Republicon enablers have turned us into an international pariah. My U.S. passport is worthless, except as identification. I notice on Wheel of Fortune all the trips they're giving away are to a few U.S. and Caribbean destinations, the only countries that will let you in with a U.S. passport now.

-- Ron

[tymorial]

1. That is my favorite violin concerto. It's excellent

Hahn's interpreration is wonderful. I love the 3rd movement. It is incredibly challenging technically. She is spectacular.

[Binkie The Clown]

2. Not my favorite (That honor goes to Beethoven) but wonderful just the same.

And Hillary Hahn never ceases to please.

[tymorial]

3. I understand. It is a favorite of many and almost always shows up in top 5 lists

Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and Bruch are usually there too. Sibelius, Shostakovich and Brahms tend to fight out the 5th. There are sooo many amazing concertos though. I really love Saint-Saens' 3rd violin concertos in b minor as well. The 2nd movement is beautiful. My fav is with Gil Shaham. He has performed it with the NYO and LSO. Amazing.

[Binkie The Clown]

4. A few days ago I heard Beethoven's violin concerto arranged as a piano concerto.

It was so surprising. I kept thinking "I know that concerto, but something's not quite right." and then when the announcer explained after it was finished, it all made sense.