Concert in Memory of Violinist Aaron Rosand

[Donald Isler]

Concert in Memory of Violinist Aaron Rosand
Summit Music Festival
Thornwood, New York
July 30th, 2022

Vitali: Chaconne
Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 100
Frolov: Porgy and Bess Fantasy
Richard Lin, Violin
Kyoung Im Kim, Piano

This program in memory of the distinguished violinist, Aaron Rosand (1927-2019), began with remarks by his wife, Christina Khimm Rosand, about his more than twenty-year connection to the Summit Music Festival, and her own. Then the directors of the Festival added their own comments, and spoke of their memories of Mr. Rosand

Daivd Krieger described him as a connection with the "Golden Age" of violinists.

Massimiliano Mainolfi spoke of his charisma.

And Efrem Briskin said "He was a great human being who helped bring the Festival to a higher level."

The violinist who gave this recital was a Rosand student named Richard Lin, who won the Gold Medal at the 2018 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis and has a busy performing career in this country, Asia, and Europe. He has made numerous recordings of performances with orchestra, and also of the complete Brahms Violin Sonatas with his brother, pianist Robert Lin.

A general reaction to the concert: It is wonderful to hear the violin played so well! Mr. Lin has a beautiful tone, terrific intonation, and one can hear such difficult things as harmonics played with incredible clarity. Nothing seems too difficult for him!

One should also mention that the pianist, Kyoung Im Kim, was a full and supportive partner. The ensemble was excellent, as well as the balance between the instruments.

Mr. Lin began the Vitali Chaconne with a strong, full-bodied sound. It was dramatically very effective, with a wide range of dynamics, beautifully played figurations and, as mentioned before, brilliantly clean and clear high notes.

Mr. Lin seems to prefer tempi for the outer movements of the Brahms that are more animated than leisurely. In the first movement there was a lovely flow, and he "got" the drama, as well as the beautiful quiet moments of the development section. The second movement was thoughtful and expressive. There was wonderful rapport between Mr. Lin and Ms. Kim in the contrasting material they were playing in the last movement, and a very satisfying ending.

Their performance of the Porgy and Bess Fantasy of Igor Frolov (who, not surprisingly, was also a violin virtuoso) was terrific! The Fantasy is full of surprises. For example, the pianist plays the introduction to one Gershwin song - and then the violin starts a different song! Mr. Lin displayed dazzling finger work, as well as warmth and individuality. Once again, the ensemble between the performers was terrific, and both sounded very at home with the jazz elements of the music. Summertime was particularly effective, and parts of the fancy finger work in It Ain't Necessarily So could have made a challenging violin etude.

There were two encores. The first was Elgar's Salut d'Amour, which was played at a rather brisk speed, yet featured delicacy and wistful feelings.

The second was a piece called Banjo and Fiddle by Kroll. The outer sections were very, very fast, while the middle part was lovely, romantic, and intensely expressive.

A reception followed the concert.

Donald Isler