Leonard Bernstein: Serenade for violin, string orchestra, harp and percussion. London Symphony Orchestra; Antonio Pappano, conductor Janine Jansen, violin Live from Barbican Hall, Barbican Center, London - 2017
I just read a lengthy 2018 interview with Bernstein's eldest daughter Jamie, and she said "Serenade" is her favorite of her father's compositions. I'd never heard of it until now, so I had to check it out on YTube. I'm not sure what to think right now, I think it warrants repeated listenings!
Jansen’s performance is by turns tender, crackling, fiery and soulful while the London Symphony Orchestra under Antonio Pappano are smartly alert partners.
Impressive playing indeed, expressive, but seems to me somewhat rough and strenuous in places. After all, it must be very difficult piece when one wants to play it with such an extraordinary expression like she does.
Damn, she really blasts it! Definitely did in a bowhair or three, while playing with the finest-spun elegance when it's called for. I'll bet Lenny would be smiling.
