It is not often that a soloist is able to capture an audience’s attention for over two hours, but award-winning violinist Hilary Hahn, has been doing just that.
On Monday night, Hahn, accompanied by pianist Valentina Lisitsa, filled Macky Auditorium with a wide array of music. From the classical sounds of Beethoven and Bach to the avant-garde dissonance of George Antheil, Hahn and Lisitsa worked seamlessly to execute a program that was sure to please the diverse crowd.
Since her orchestral debut in 1991, Hahn has been leaving her mark within the classical music industry. With two Grammy awards under her belt and over a dozen recordings to her name, Hahn has proven herself both onstage and off as one of the most revered soloists of her time.
At 7:30 p.m. sharp Hahn and Lisitsa took the stage dressed in bright flowing dresses, reminiscent of the spring weather that is fast approaching. With grace and ease, the two artists soothed the crowd with Beethoven’s “Violin Sonata No. 5” and Charles Ives’ “Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 4.”
The first piece by Beethoven, also known as “Spring,” brought the audience into a new season and embodied the lighthearted essence of awakening. While Ives’ piece, referred to as “Children’s Day at Summer Camp,” mimicked classic church hymns to create a movement that attendees of all-ages appeared to enjoy.
Following a brief intermission Hahn returned, this time to perform the solo violin piece by Bach entitled “Partita No. 1 in B Minor.” Throughout her performance, Hahn lived up to her reputation as a confident and compelling performer. Although she was alone on stage, the petite violinist enchanted the audience with her smooth transitions and technical prowess.
The closing piece, “Violin Sonata No. 1” by avant-garde composer Antheil, exhibited Hahn’s flexibility as an artist. With Lisitsa back on piano, both women embodied the madness of Antheil’s work through rapidly changing keys and emotive shifts in style.
Following the last sonata, Hahn and Lisitsa showcased their individual solo expertise while receiving multiple standing ovations. Although the audience appeared confused as each musician entered and exited the stage multiple times, this didn’t distract from the program’s integrity.
Hahn lived up to her reputation and provided the audience with a thoroughly engaging performance. With the accompaniment of Lisitsa, the violinist was able prove that she has mastered the art of humility, as she rarely overshadowed the pianist’s evident skill and dazzling technique.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Maranda Bodas at Maranda.bodas@colorado.edu.
