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The concert was outstanding. Joshua Bell has a very charming demeanor, not at all superior, which made him all the more endearing. As soon as they started playing the overture, you could hear what an accomplished group they are. They have a bright, crisp sound, and they play with great verve. The violin concerto was masterfully and flawlessly performed to perfection. I have never heard a better rendition of this. After intermission, there was a nice presentation given to the Academy and to Joshua. Very nicely done. Beethoven’s 7th is always a great romp, and this was exceptional. The players are so cohesive and smooth. It was a delightful and vibrant performance. The energy from the orchestra as the music chugged merrily toward its conclusion, was met with whoops and hollers from the audience. They were all at once on their feet cheering and clapping. It was phenomenal.

Madeleine

Posted: 4/23/12 -- 6:34 pm

I was in second row right in front of Joshua, and could hear invididual players in that magnificant orchestra. Although sitting so close does affect my perception of balance, I could see the expressions on each players face, their obvious joy in playing all three Beethoven pieces and with working with Joshua. The concert was powerful, exciting, dynamic! Everyone around me was enraptured, excited, moved. There are moments in the Beethoven concerto and 2nd movt of #7 symphony that bring tears to ones eyes, and mine were misting over. And Joshua-the nuances he brings to whatever he plays, he pours his soul into it. My favorite performance of the Beethoven violin concerto so far! Easy to see why he is loved the world over! I am still on top of the world!

Fran Wakefield

Posted: 4/23/12 -- 12:54 pm

Although Beethoven's music is not my cup of tea, I thoroughly enjoyed yesterday's performance, especially the symphony. It's always refreshing to watch musicians having a good time making music, instead of just doing the job of playing notes. Also, very psyched about the next season at the UMS. Just a thought - could the announcement before each concert remind the audience not to applaud between movements?

UMS regular

Posted: 4/23/12 -- 12:04 pm

The St. Martin is a very fine orchestra. It’s a pleasure to listen to the individual wind and brass players when they have solos. And when they play together, they manage splendid ensemble work; they do not need a conductor. (During the concerto Bell was conducting; but it was more for the benefit of the audience than the players!) Joshua Bell, too, has a sweet, seductive tone, especially evident in the second movement of the violin concerto. As happens often these days, tempi were restless and at times headlong. This has a price. If you play the Coriolan Overture a hair too fast, you gain some sheen and lose some gravity. But the play it’s written for is all about gravity. The two middle movements were right on the mark for me. But if you play the symphony’s finale in a noisy prestissimo, even though it’s marked allegro, you lose some notes, such as those characteristic 16th note patterns, in a blur. (I confess that I’ve always found this last movement irritating at any tempo; so I didn’t mind.) But, of course, noisy prestissimos bring down the house, and this one did. Good way to end the season. I’m looking forward to a leisurely second 100 years of Hill Aud.

Music Lover

Posted: 4/23/12 -- 9:00 am

Simply Magnificent!! He and Hillary Hahn are at the top of their game. Bring me more.

Brad Beausoleil

Posted: 4/23/12 -- 8:36 am

It was all Beethoven. They started with the Coriolan Overture then the concerto after the intermission they took a photo of the entire audience (which was very cool) then do the Ford Honors. After that the chamber group played an absolutely mesmerizing 7th Symphony. My only criticism at all was a few very minor balance problems in the 2nd movement. Otherwise a breathtaking performance.

Mary Brown

Posted: 4/23/12 -- 6:41 am

May I ask what else was on the program - aside from the violin concerto? I tried to get tickets but I could not get through to the box office! Sorry I missed the show...

Robert Edward Sanecki

Posted: 4/22/12 -- 11:06 pm

Incredible. Absolutely Incredible. Still floating.

James L. Nowak

Posted: 4/22/12 -- 10:55 pm

What a truly great concert. It was my first time seeing the Academy of St. Martin in The Fields and Joshua Bell. So good! All pieces of music were played wonderfully. The rest of the audience thought so as well. They were simultaneously out of their seats with a standing ovation after every piece. We are so blessed to have this level music available to us here in Ann Arbor. Thank you UMS!

Steve Barney

Posted: 4/22/12 -- 8:37 pm

This was one of the finest performances of the Beethoven Violin Concerto I have heard played. Joshua Bell is an amazing player!! And has conducting besides!!!

Dr Paul C Uslan

Posted: 4/22/12 -- 7:13 pm

I am fighting back tears. I brought one of my students with me. This is her first violin concerto concert and I hope she will remember it forever. I certainly will. I loved the cadenzas. I loved the sweetness of tone. I consider this a highlight of my 40 years of concer-going experiences. I love Joshua Bell.

Mary Brown

Posted: 4/22/12 -- 5:15 pm

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