Already possessing several successful albums of Pablo Sarasate's works under her belt, Chinese-born violinist
Tianwa Yang returns to Naxos for Vol. 2 of the label's survey of Sarasate's works for violin and orchestra. This installment includes the popular "Carmen" Fantasy as well as the less common "Romeo and Juliette" Fantasy and four additional shorter works. As in previous albums,
Yang proves herself to be an absolute master of her craft. Not only does she possess a venerable, precise technique, but musical and interpretive skills to match. Rarely are the lofty technical demands of the "Carmen" Fantasy tossed off with such apparent ease and effortlessness.
Yang plays with superbly accurate intonation, flawless shifts, and meticulous articulation. Add to this her pleasantly varied tone color and commanding, projecting sound and you get a violinist well-equipped to handle any literature. Far from being just a technical player,
Yang also interjects copious amounts of panache, sultriness, and seductiveness that so characterize Sarasate's works. Mature far beyond her young years, listeners will no doubt look forward to many more years of similarly captivating performances. Joining
Yang is the
Orquesta Sinfónica de Navarra providing a sensitive, rhythmically vibrant backdrop for
Yang; Naxos' sound is robust, clean, and present.