Ida Haendel - Chaconne
This week, marvel at the talent of octogenarian violinist Ida Haendel. Album of the Week, 17 June 2013.
At the age of 84, the Polish-born violinist Ida Haendel is still a force to be reckoned with in the classical music world. She has had an outstanding career - from her childhood success performing the Beethoven Violin Concerto and winning the Warsaw Conservatory Gold Medal, through her acclaimed 1937 London debut under the baton of Sir Henry Wood, to her concert debut with the Berlin Philharmonic at the age of 64. Her recording of the Sibelius violin concerto even received a fan letter from the composer!
She is acclaimed the world over for her distinguished interpretations of the classical violin repertoire and this 2008 recital shows off her versatility - including such showstoppers as the Saint-Saens Introduction et Rondo Capriccioso, the Chaconne from Bach's Partita No.2 for Solo Violin in D Minor, and the whole of Mozart's Sonata for Piano and Violin in B-flat. It is a recording of intensity, musicianship and charm. The perfect album for violin aficionados.
