Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Jennifer Koh Plays Solo Bach

Lunchtime Concerts
Tuesday, September 29, 12:30pm
Philosophy Hall at Columbia University

Jennifer Koh

J.S.Bach for Solo Violin
Sonata No. 1 for solo violin in g minor, BWV 1001


This is the 2nd in a mini-series of Bach Solo Violin programs Jennifer Koh is giving on the Columbia University campus. She plays one work on each of three successive days. The concerts are held in a student lounge of only moderate size, so by noon it was standing room only. Those of us who showed up early enough to get in experienced Ms. Koh quite close up. After making a few opening remarks about the formal structure of the Sonata, she launched into an intensely focused & technically clean performance. She is able to make every note clear, & one felt that she wanted to make every note count as well, even in the complex Fuga movement & the rapid Presto. She plays on a wonderfully mellow-sounding Strad with a very even timbre on all strings. The audience was appreciative & attentive. A woman seated in front of me even brought the sheet music with her & followed along.

I hadn't expected to have such a nice performance to attend on my 1st afternoon in New York, so a big thanks to my New York contact who was in the know & even saved me a seat.

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