Korngold Violin Concerto - Ann Fontanella

[LensisSML]

really touching...no words to describe your performance! you played it with such passion....i've in my mind the picture of souls struggling...

[Annfontanella]

Lensis, thanks so much! This piece does feel - to me - so much about the struggle for attaining...something...and it must be awesome to try as hard as this music does!

[w7md]

What a lovely performance.

[Annfontanella]

Thanks, w7!

[acc2mdk]

i am a dancer from the UK, east london. yes cool.

[Annfontanella]

That Is pretty cool! What kind of dance are you into?

[ritaviolin]

Anna... GREAT!!! I always enjoy your playing a lot...

[Annfontanella]

Thanks, Rita!!!! It's great to hear from you!

[82224561]

Lovevly performance!It's so deeply expressive that counts a lot in this concerto,which is not technical but musical demanding(at least in tnis mouvement).

poicpi

[Annfontanella]

Thanks, 8222...Yes, I have to admit, it's the 3rd movement that is the technical monster!!!! I sense Heifetz's hand there :-D....

[Sviolinist]

Wow, sounds pretty good! Nice job. I really like this violin concerto a lot. It has lots of sweeping moments, yet it has lyricism and motion (something that a lot of Romantic/modern works lack). A great concerto.

[harino45]

Is the Pirastro Chorda string set the one you used for this performance? It sounds really nice.

[Annfontanella]

Harino, Yes, it is! I'm glad you liked it!

[plaintee4]

i loooooooove your interpretation!!!!!!

what kind of rosin do you use?????

[Annfontanella]

Plaintee, Thank you! I use either Hill dark, or Baker's light.

[violinjim1]

Love the way you allow the phrases to "breath."

[Annfontanella]

Thanks, violinjim!! Sometimes, the silence is as important as the sound (just listen to Beethoven's fifth!)

[rachmaninovpc3dminor]

Ms. Fontanella, I really love your interpretation of this piece - nice touch! Rick.

[shawoly]

When I listen your music ,I wanna cry . I mean it's very nice music. I love it.

[Annfontanella]

Shawoly, thank you so much...I love music from the late Romantic era because it IS so emotional....:)

[rachmaninovpc3dminor]

Ms. Fontanella, do you play Beethoven's VC in D major? As you know, it is very moving. Tx, Rick.

[Annfontanella]

Rick, indeed I do. My first violin teacher actually had me listen to it (Heifetz/Reiner version) every night, all night, as I slept, for years! :)

[zeagle79]

Korngold's love for the drama is obvious--I would do well to learn from that until I am much further along. There in spirit, not in ability, I remain.

[Annfontanella]

Zeagle, I guess some of the Hollywood quality that existed in the movies he wrote for rubbed off on this concerto...I take it you play, as well?? :)

[JCviolin09]

i love this concerto after hearing you play it. I am a violinist as well. I have been playing for 8 years(going to be 9 in september). I just want to tell you that when i hear you play, you are an inspiration to my playing.

[Annfontanella]

JC, that is awesome!!! What are you playing right now?!

[JCviolin09]

i am playing Bach concerto No. 1 a minor, Two of Bach partitas, Partita 2-Allemanda, and partita No. 3- preludio; i am trying to get stuff together for orchestra auditions and College auditions.

[Annfontanella]

That's wonderful, JC!!! I love the EM Prelude!!

[JCviolin09]

same here...its passionate and powerful at the same time

[shawoly]

When I'm listening this beautiful music seems like I lost something important in my live.Why?

[Annfontanella]

Funny, that's how I feel sometimes, too, shawoly. I'm not sure if it's something lost or something we never had, but desperately want. This music is so inspired, quite over the top with passion, idealism, beauty; all qualities I believe most of us desire and aspire to. There is a touch of sadness, I think, in listening to it, since there is so little occasion for these ideals to be found in the world.....

[wavelinked]

Very Nice.

[marcohorowitz8]

fantastic!

[fiddlinmatt]

This is wonderful. Great job Ann! I wish I could hear more of the orchestra though,

oh well. The playing's great.

[Annfontanella]

I'm glad you liked the playing :). The mix is a little violin heavy - though I guess the bright side is you can hear any slip-ups I make! :-D

[fiddlinmatt]

Oh goody :)

[Annfontanella]

See, to every cloud there is a silver lining :P...LOLOL!

[thebirdman47]

Absolutely amazing! An moving piece, played with talent, passion and inspiration! I truly love this, Ann.

Thank you so very much,

Jim

[Annfontanella]

Thanks, Jim....Are you musical, as well? :)

[thebirdman47]

Ann, I was trained in my early youth to play piano, but gravitated toward guitar in my teens. I have played piano and guitar (electric and acoustical) for about 45 years now. My playing is in no way as refined as yours, due to my (honestly) lack of ambition and allowing the business world to consume most of my time.

I listen to you and can only admire you for staying so focused and playing as a true master of your instrument.

The world is blessed to have you in it, Ann.

Regards,

Jim

[Annfontanella]

Nah...I'll take my fiancee any day of the week! :) :)

[noodles1fan]

it sounds so pure, not many people can do that. way to go!

[workworkwork09]

If she is single, what about Harry or Wiliam?

[chantalbernard]

Pure Talent. What a gift.... inspiring .....

[Annfontanella]

Thank you, chantal...How long have you been playing?? :)

[chantalbernard]

Only 3 years..... I love it. I wish I'd started sooner. But other things were more important at the time. I must say when I heard you play this Korngold piece I stopped in my tracks. You have a lovely career ahead of you - do enjoy!

[18whiteknight36]

BRAVO! BRAVISIMO!

[Illuminate4you]

Wonderful!

[NHPsound]

Ann you are amazing. I am a film composer. Would love to record something with you one day. Check out my stuff its all under nhpsound

[Annfontanella]

I checked out your page. Your work looks really interesting. Are you east coast?

[undeadzahn]

truly truly wonderful.. i have not heard a classical piece that has caught my attention in a while.. i think i might listen to this again..

[Annfontanella]

Thank you very much! I hope you enjoy the second time as much as the first :)....

[jimlawson1953]

I came across your videos by chance and listening to you and watching you play, almost makes me cry. You have such vitality and intelligence in your eyes. You just made my day. thanks

[Annfontanella]

Jim, thank you so much...It means so much to me to know that my music was a touching experience for you. Thank you for taking the time out to let me know.

[dagll]

Very very good indeed! Beautiful sound. May I ask; it shows Chorda Pirastro... do you use them?

[Annfontanella]

Yes, I do! I love the sound quality! And I'm glad you enjoyed! :)

[7878666]

very nice playing.Superb!

[Annfontanella]

Thank you!!! :)

[teddharris]

Ann, I am impressed! I have listened to many violinists, and they all have their own interpretations and styles. You bring a wonderful brilliance and beauty to this great music.

Thank you for sharing it with us!

[Annfontanella]

Thank you for listening, Tedd! Are you a musician, as well? :)

[teddharris]

My wife is a real musician. I love classical music, and am a closet pianist. I play by ear, and compose at the piano. Nothing is ever written. It is just for my own enjoyment. Sometimes I'll play a piece especially for my wife.

[Annfontanella]

That is sweet :)....and if you play by ear, you must have an excellent ear!!! :)

[teddharris]

It is getting better. It helps to have a professional critic in the family! ;-)

[jack622511]

Beautiful sound. Thanks for sharing.

[PrincessPoppz]

wow. u have so much talent its all so beautiful everything u play is so relaxing and calming i love listening to it. i would love to hear you play in person it would be so cool lol

[Annfontanella]

I think I'd like to play it in person, too!!! :-D

[bachkicksass83]

sounds lovely!!! Such a young age to start this concerto!! very nice!

[waverly2468]

Really fine performance. When I listen to the Heifitz recording, I'm amazed at his incredible sound, which somehow isn't diminished at all by the 1950's era fidelity. Heifitz was really at the height of his abilities in that recording and the 1949 recording of the Elgar concerto.

[Annfontanella]

Yes, he was incredible in the Korngold. I was OMG when I first heard it and I knew I HAD to learn it then! :)

[sherom]

A Lovely Beautiful tone !

[Annfontanella]

Thank you so much!! I confess I work the most at my tone, so I am very glad to hear you liked it! :)

[EKosydar]

Simply divine. You're a true professional of the old school style.

[Annfontanella]

Thank you very much, EKosydar!!

[ClassicalMusicReview]

Dear Ann,Before we discuss this particular interpetation that you've given I would like to ask...Is this piece in your repertoire as an outgrowth of you tutelage or is it more the result of your own inner drives? I'd also like to know what about this piece you dislike and have had trouble with in addition to vice versa? Best Wishes,Smith

[Annfontanella]

Hi Smith! I learned this piece as a combination of both. I heard it and fell in love when I was 14. When I realized it was a JH piece, I knew I had to learn it. I love the intensity through the entire movement, though I have to admit that the closing has given me some flow issues! I've wondered a bit about this piece's structure. It doesn't feel like a typical concerto form, though it has standard earmarks - more fantasy, almost. Is there anything particular that might cause this?

Best,

Ann

[ClassicalMusicReview]

Dear Ann,14 is a good age for falling in love,and when it is musical,it's for all the right reasons.When you say that you've have struggled with 'flow issues' can you be specific? Is it psychic flow and connection to the technique of agogiocs or what?

[ClassicalMusicReview]

This piece feels like a 'Fantasy' in the psychic realm of Rimsky-Korsakoff? as it's truly fantastical and whimsical undergirded by intensely vulnerable viscereality.The point here seems not to explore the worlds of solo like with Paganini but to evoke universes riding on the magic carpet of solo.

[Annfontanella]

The section leading to the end (7:54 - 8:05) I always felt like - what is this here for? Why is he giving us this passage? I couldn't really feel the connection between what I was playing and its larger purpose and context within the movement and concerto.....

[solarcat1]

Korngold modified this piece for Maestro Heifetz, so it would seem he put the last 59sec in for JH to show off a bit hmmm? At least that's my take on it. You're right, it makes no sense within the greater body and style of the work...

[Annfontanella]

It's likely. I know JH said that he would play it, IF it was modified.....and he loved showpieces, to be sure :) :)....I couldn't quite follow the coda at the end - it doesn't really tie to the other two movements and it doesn't clearly link to the rest of the 1st, either. I suppose it could just be a Hollywoodesque flourish (probably the stylisitic intent), but methinks that Mr. H may well have appreciated that. I really should try and find and have a look at the original sometime! :)

[solarcat1]

Actually it's the last :15. Korngold might have got a little out of control during that time but I liked the ending flourish.

[Annfontanella]

It's artistic! :) I'll have to ask some of my comp/theory professors at Penn what they think of it :)....

[radioguy67]

Make me want to cry it sounds so good.

[Annfontanella]

Thank you, radioguy! This is such a wonderfully written piece! :)

[Zaphrony]

beautifully sweet :)

[leoncioviolin]

IMPRESIONANTE MUSICALIDAD Y SONIDO

[Annfontanella]

Gracias tanto, Leoncioviolin! :) BTW, el Piazolla es realmente divertido! :)

[slimbullet96]

nice interpretation! I liked the rondo you composed :)

[Annfontanella]

Thanks, slimbullet! I'm glad you're enjoying my work. I will have more videos coming soon, so stay tuned in!! :)

[balanchinemachine]

Wow, you are very talented! What a wonderful performance of the Korngold! I hope to hear you play this live with a world-class orchestra some day.

[Annfontanella]

Thank you, balanchinemachine! I am very glad you enjoyed it! :)

[Samlaren]

Wow!!! Your sound so reminds me of the late Erick, but the orchestra isn't quite up to par. Music minus one? Give my best to Jen!

Mattias

[Annfontanella]

Thank you very much. You are exactly correct about the orchestra :)....She says hi back! :)

[wiar65]

Lovely,Beautiful,

Chester

[Annfontanella]

Thank you, Chester! :)

[TomaVan]

Ann, what kinds of strings and rosin are u using?

[Annfontanella]

TomaVan, I use a Chorda A and D, tricolor G, and a Goldbrokot E. I alternate rosin between Hill dark and Baker's...:)

[violindevil]

Um I'm sorry Ann but I was wondering how you obtained the Tricolore for as far as I know the Company went out of business some time ago. Of course I know that the same generator is now owned by the Gamut strings company and you can specially order for those strings...is that how you obtained them?

[Annfontanella]

Yes, they are special ordered. They have very clean sound up high, so I got addicted very easily! :)

[Sviolinist]

Any thoughts on Dr. Thomastik's Dominant rosin? I've had my cake for so long that I really haven't given enough thought about changing my rosin. My strings are Dominant G, D, A and Jarger Forte E.

[Annfontanella]

I've actually never tried the Dominant rosin, Sviolinist. I use Hill dark or Baker's, depending on my mood. I suspect that with your set up, you will need a very powerful rosin to work with, though....

[ritaviolin]

Very nice playing, Ann! Thank you so much for sharing. I love this concerto...

And you are awsome!!!

[Annfontanella]

Thank you for your support, Rita! I love the kind of old world glamor in this piece, too! :)

[PatriccioBadoHudin]

hello!!!! i am happy to hear you!!!your ton is verry special to me best wyshes for you

Patriccio

[Annfontanella]

Thank you, Patriccio! And the same to you - your site is neat, BTW! :)

[6LQ6]

I just love your playing, Ann! So sincere and genuine and passionate. Thanks to you it's like the great masters are still with us. I hope you were using Baker's rosin:)

-Tom

[Annfontanella]

It was sitting on the stand in the studio in case I needed some extra while I was recording :)...

Ann

[cardonaedgardo]

It's very beautiful the way you play the violin. Thanks for sharing this with me. I really like it. It relaxes me and it makes me not think of my problems :)

[Annfontanella]

That is the best compliment you could give, I think; I love playing because it lets me go to wonderful places I can't go in my real life :).

[ztefieh]

Very lovely, indeed. The Korngold is one of my favorite lesser-known concerti. I would love to hear your rendition of Walton or Elgar.

Maybe my ears deceive me, but something sounds "off" with the orchestra. Was the violin recorded separately and inserted over the orchestra?

[Annfontanella]

You have quite an ear! You are exactly correct - the orchestra is MMO!

[teddharris]

That is what I thought, too!

[masael255]

Hmm...I never was a of Korngold's concerto until your rendition. You've invoked a sound and feeling in it I had not heard before. Exceptional! :D

On a side note: how coincidental! I just got chorda strings for my viola today...still stretching but quite nice thus far! :P

[Annfontanella]

Thank you so much for the positive comments...and Awesome about the strings!!! Pluck them really hard to stretch them - or when you're not playing, tune a half step high! :-D

[masael255]

Thanks! :D They are stretching faster than I expected for two plain guts and they sound so nice. Though learning to tie that knot on the tail piece was not fun at first. XD

[Annfontanella]

Oh yeah! I still struggle with the knots - especially on thinner strings. They tighten up and fly out of the tailpiece!!! I remember plucking to stretch one once and it slammed me in the face. Boy, did it make me mad! :) Are you using chorda D and G? :)

[masael255]

I'm using the full set but for the viola set the plain gut are the D and A. Thin A was a super hassle and I think I have officially ruined my fingers tying it. XP Yeah, I had them fly up a couple of times too! Fortunately none hit me in the face though...yet...*glares at strings*.

[Annfontanella]

HEHE! Hopefully the glare will intimidate them! I always end up triple knotting the A, JUST to be sure! :)

[masael255]

I'm tempted to do that...but it was so much work as it was! X_X

[Annfontanella]

I feel your pain! :)

[masael255]

Well I am officially in love with these Chorda strings. My friend just listened to them and he was surprised at the resonance. To quote, "It's like an implosion and explosion of sound at the same time." Hmm...now I need to think about setting them up on my violin...

[Annfontanella]

hehehe....violin strings are thinner! Beware your knots!! But in all seriousness, they really do warm up the instrument. That's why I was always so adamant about making sure I played on them!

[Annfontanella]

That would be a problem. They are sensitive to heat and humidity. I insist on only playing in climate controlled areas, unless it is a lovely fall day....Perhaps wound gut would be more practical...

[xaav]

I highly appreciated to listen to your prestation....a delightfull performance filled with poetic instants !

[Annfontanella]

Thank you very much! BTW, I hopped over to your page and peeked at the Bach; I love that Suite!!

[danielwowman]

wow your amazing.

[Annfontanella]

Thank you!!! :)

[EvilSpyderMan9]

Absolutely gorgeous.

[Annfontanella]

Thank you, EvilSpyderMan! :)

[meineke11]

Ann, so far I have not given comments on your work-I needed more. Also I felt until this recording that something was missing-esp. you should not look over your shoulder toward Heifetz, you don´t need to. Finally with this recording you made the decisive step into the class of Heifetz, Mutter and so on, where you without any doubt really belong. Now you will make your own footsteps for others to be measured by. One of the best Korngold I´ve heard!!

[Annfontanella]

Thank you so much! I love the Korngold very much; I think it is an incredible piece. I am so glad you liked my work!

[sisaja]

Ann, this is really beautiful!

The expression is great!

[Annfontanella]

I'm really glad you enjoyed this one!

[rheumer]

Wonderful job; edgy and exciting -- the way it should be! Brava.

[gavincko]

Just beautiful!

[stever1957]

Marvellous, Ann.

Erick would have been proud.

[Annfontanella]

Thank you, Steve. That means so much coming from you....

[AdminSkaz]

Good expression, perfectly!

[kavatr]

Great works Ann. However, I just feel the vibrato is a bit soft for my taste.

[draa0gon]

i love it

it's a darkish piece

wonderful :)

[GreyShinobi]

Not especially my style, but you play this so spectacularly, Ann!! Brava!!

[Annfontanella]

Thank you, Grey!!!! I'm afraid I'm a sucker for old Hollywood (Rita Hayworth, anyone?! :))

[GreyShinobi]

Ann you never cease to make me smile xD

[wiar65]

I love it it was BEAUTIFUL created by genius like you.

Our Son plays ORGAN for Atlanta,Braves.

CHESTER

[violindevil]

this is a lovely playing ann thank you for sharing it with us. and i suspected that you play on gut strings and I'm very happy to know that you do so. I'm very glad that you have immense love for Heifetz's and the other old masters' playing.

[Annfontanella]

I love gut strings! When I was about 7, my first teacher tried to convince me that dominant was better, so when forced to make the switch over from gut, I would deliberately overtighten them to prove to my mom that they were in fact less durable and more expensiv than my guts. Oh, what a lovely child I was! :)

[maryhwang04]

=] niceeeeeeee!!!

[Annfontanella]

Thank you, Mary! I'll be posting up a rendition of Ave Maria in the next couple months, too. I hope you will enjoy it! :)

[maryhwang04]

nice vibrato!

[regelemihai]

Almost entirely flawless. Bravo!

And I'm not even a great fan of Korngold to begin with :P

[Annfontanella]

Then I'm all the more delighted you enjoyed it! :)

[regelemihai]

The pleasure is all mine :)

Keep up the good work!

[wiar65]

this  is lovely,keep on playing,

Chester

[Annfontanella]

I am very glad you liked it, Chester!

[SSUnitedStateslife]

beautiful