A most engaging four page interview on the career of Alina Ibragimova, Russian violinist, in the Nov '15 issue of the BBC MM - and a bonus CD, Ida Haendel,playing the Britten and Brahms VCs is also worth acquiring.
James Naughtie's feature is also complemented by a set of John Millar's photographic stills against the attractive setting of AB's Greenwich home which adds allure to the compelling performer. Her late night Proms filmed over two consecutive evenings - each recital 90 mins with no interval - cover Bach's Violin Sonatas and Partitas, provide a riveting evening which I recorded on BBC 4 and transferred to DVD. I've already seen it at least six times and its riches are many, totally engrossed by her power and uncanny mastery of the vexing spatial element of the Hall. She adds, 'I'm just aware that this is music of a different kind, and that being involved with it gives you an experience that, for me anyway, is particular to him.' She was influenced by the great players, Jascha Heifitz and Vadim Repin and even before she moved to London and the Menuhin School would try and follow them. Grew up under the influence of a disciplined Russian tradition of study and practice over a 12- hour day.
Fascinating to watch her innate quality of stillness, a steely inner confidence as an underlay, yet, as she says, also aware of a sense of ease with her audience. This perspective in close-up was also evident on another late night BBC 4 Prom,Yo-Yo Ma in the Bach Suites for solo cello, a mixture of fierce concentration, yet encouraging the audience to relax with a measured degree of theatricality between Suites - six of 'em over 143 mins! A formidable mission.
Interested to know that Ms Ibragimova has also recorded the six Op 27 sonatas of Eugene Ysaye on the Hyperion label, a CD is now wending in my direction. I know little about the composer's work although a post-Wagnerian influence comes to mind and stirs a degree of curiosity. I understand that the standard bearer recording is by Ilya Kaler on Naxos which must follow.
Finally, any advice on the pronunciation of Ibragimova - phonetically Ib-rag-imova? Suggestions welcome but, pul-ease, not in drama queen bold print. No need to shout, ever!
James Naughtie's feature is also complemented by a set of John Millar's photographic stills against the attractive setting of AB's Greenwich home which adds allure to the compelling performer. Her late night Proms filmed over two consecutive evenings - each recital 90 mins with no interval - cover Bach's Violin Sonatas and Partitas, provide a riveting evening which I recorded on BBC 4 and transferred to DVD. I've already seen it at least six times and its riches are many, totally engrossed by her power and uncanny mastery of the vexing spatial element of the Hall. She adds, 'I'm just aware that this is music of a different kind, and that being involved with it gives you an experience that, for me anyway, is particular to him.' She was influenced by the great players, Jascha Heifitz and Vadim Repin and even before she moved to London and the Menuhin School would try and follow them. Grew up under the influence of a disciplined Russian tradition of study and practice over a 12- hour day.
Fascinating to watch her innate quality of stillness, a steely inner confidence as an underlay, yet, as she says, also aware of a sense of ease with her audience. This perspective in close-up was also evident on another late night BBC 4 Prom,Yo-Yo Ma in the Bach Suites for solo cello, a mixture of fierce concentration, yet encouraging the audience to relax with a measured degree of theatricality between Suites - six of 'em over 143 mins! A formidable mission.
Interested to know that Ms Ibragimova has also recorded the six Op 27 sonatas of Eugene Ysaye on the Hyperion label, a CD is now wending in my direction. I know little about the composer's work although a post-Wagnerian influence comes to mind and stirs a degree of curiosity. I understand that the standard bearer recording is by Ilya Kaler on Naxos which must follow.
Finally, any advice on the pronunciation of Ibragimova - phonetically Ib-rag-imova? Suggestions welcome but, pul-ease, not in drama queen bold print. No need to shout, ever!
but modest investments can be justified. I certainly value my Scottish CO, Beethoven and Mozart cycle with the much lamented Charles MacKerras at the helm. 
- and I'm eager to hear an alternative recording. Mention of Auld Reekie also stirred memories of my first visit to the Edinburgh Festival (the second?) in 1947 when I climbed the steps of the Usher Hall to hear Dame Maggie Teyte, in recital, and this was my intro to the world of Lieder, definitely the start of a beautiful and extended friendship. We did meet in 1972 when I helped her out of her car at a delicatessen in Maida Vale - she lived on the posh side of Maida Vale, separated by Edgware Rd, in St John's Wood. Quite elderly and frail but the persona was lively and twinkly with that 'little something extra' of a great presence. Made my day!
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