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The Times of India

Extremely Competent
By Jaysti Ghosh
New Delhi, India — The young Austrian violinist began his solo recital with what is probably the single greatest test of a violinist’s musical prowess: the Partita in D minor for solo violin by Johann Sebastian Bach. This large, demanding which requires not only the purest understanding of contrapuntal playing but also profundity of purpose and elegance of expression. David justified his choice of this ambitious piece with his performance, which was extremely competent even if not as mature as more famous interpretations.
The opening Allemande showed proficient tone production and the discipline essential to Bach. The lovely slow Sarabande included some luscious chord playing. The Gigue was executed rapidly, possibly too fast since it tended to affect the bowing adversely. The final Chaconne – known as the finest violin piece ever written – was handled well, with a fine tone, good phrasing and intense expression.
Post interval, David played Sergei Prokofiev´s Solo Sonata Opus 115, arguably the best performance of the evening. This is a lovely, yet rarely performed piece, showing the composer in relaxed and expansive mood, light-hearted but lyrical. The Moderato was buoyant and fluid, and the delectable Andante was played graciously and stylishly. The lively last movement further indicated the soloist’s affinity for this music.
A short, pleasant piece by J. Sengstschmid paved the way for a rendition of the „Ballade“ for solo violin by Eugene Ysaye. This is a virtuoso piece, which is also musically interesting, and the performer brought out its more attractive aspects. For the encore, David went back to Bach: the Adagio from the C major Violin Sonata, in which the chords were lovingly spun out like filigree.