Joshua Bell - Voice of the Violin (15 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

And Joshua Bell Sings!

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 09/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many of Joshua Bell's legion of admirers praise not only his fine technique but also his ability of make the more liquid passages of his performances approximate the human voice in his vocal approach to the line. Here he takes advantage of that aspect of his musicianship and offers a strong recital of some of everyone's favorite arias and songs as transcribed for the violin and orchestra.

Bell is especially fine in this vein, giving these lush and elegant melodies the quality of sound and tone that have been his hallmark through his career. Included in the recital are such varied works as Rachmaninov's Vocalise, of course Ave Maria, Song to the Moon from Rusalka, Una furtiva lagrima, Je crois entendre encore from The Pearl Fishers, Pourquoi me réveiller from Werther, In trutina from Carmina Burana, Laudate Dominum from Mozart's Vesperae solennes de confessore, None but the Lonely Heart, with others. Bell's friends round out this celebration: Anna Netrebko sings Strauss' 'Morgen' with Bell playing the violin obligato and Frederic Chiu accompanies him on the piano in Debussy's 'Beau soir'.

This is not a heavyweight program (some of the orchestral transcriptions beg indulgence), but instead it is a selection of very beautiful songs and arias given their due by the very talented Joshua Bell. Keep one copy in the car: it is the kind of CD that will smooth out even the worst of freeway snarls! Recommended. Grady Harp, September 06"

He Does It Again

Hannah St Pierre | Louisville, KY | 09/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Joshua Bell has the amazing ability to melt the listener with his magical playing. Probably the most romantic violinist of our generation, Bell's most recent recordings haven't disappointed his passionate admirers. Being a violinist myself, I listen to Joshua bell for my inspiration more than any other artist. Although sometimes almost too wet on the strings, Joshua's lightness with the bow and the energy he puts into his playing can't be ignored. Voice of the Violin is very close to his previous successful recording, Romance of the Violin in its slow, fanciful phrasing. However, Bell uses very many composers that differ greatly from the "lullaby" effect The Romance of the Violin created. I highly recommend this recording to anyone who appreciates emotional, peaceful, and truly lovely music."

Beautiful Classical Violin Music

Marc Axelrod | Potter, Wi USA | 09/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm just getting into classical music. I first heard Joshua Bell on the Appalachian tinged "Short Ride Home" cd that he performed on with Sam Bush and Edgar Meyer,and I thought that album was terrific. I especially liked Joshua Bell's achingly gorgeous violin playing on the title track.

So I got this iTunes download next, and I love it! "Ave Maria" is beautiful, and the emotive violin and harp playing on "Pourquoi me réveiller from Werther" will create a nice atmosphere for reflection. This cd is something I can listen to in the office while I am typing or reading. The violin playing is lovely. If you're looking for something to play in the office or as relaxing music while at home or in the car, you won't be disappointed with this!"

Another great album by Joshua

Mete Ibanoglu | Ankara, Turkey | 01/19/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I met Joshua Bell's music through a friend who made me listen to O Mio Babbino Caro from his Romance of the Violin CD. I was touched by the music, awed to hear such great playing. As a result I grabbed the CD right away and listened to all of the songs and to my delight all of them were just great.

As a result when Joshua's follow up to the Romance of the Violin appeared on shelves, I bought it right away. The playing is great, as expected. What causes me to rate the CD 4 stars is the selection of pieces. They are all great, don't get me wrong but when compared with Romance of the Violin they are not as touching. Perhaps this stems from the fact that Romace of the Violin was intended to be a more touching album, was intended to contain more romantic music, hence its name. I just have to say that I like the selections from the first album better.

But as we all know, people have different tastes and I'm sure there will be people who like the pieces better on this one. But regardless of personal tastes, Joshua's exceptionally beautiful playing makes this a worthy addition to any classical music library."

Joshua Bell's Voice of the Violin is Superb!!

Dominique M. Pauyo | BROOKLYN, NEW YORK United States | 09/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've just bought Joshua Bell new CD "Voice of the Violin" and I'm absolutely in love with the lush romantic violin playing, and the new violin selections. I'm a big fan of Joshua Bell, and seing him live in concert is even better!! I have all of his cd's and I never tire of listening to them. Keep up the fantastic violin playing!!"

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