And, from that first upbow in the Introduction-a supple, steady crescendo via dexterous right-hand control-Chen also proved he’s simply fun to watch. Especially in brisker passages demanding fireworks, every note stuck and sailed around the concert hall. His tone in the most engaging moments was silky, lyrical, and immensely gorgeous. The work is a staple in soloist repertoire and indeed, it felt like Chen had lived with it. Chen, winner of the Queen Elisabeth and Yehudi Menuhin competitions, displayed both emotional expression and technical prowess in his first performance for Washington audiences. But Bruch stressed it was more about feelings than accuracy.
Sharp ears can pick out the songs used as a springboard: “Through the Wood Laddie,” “The Dusty Miller,” “I’m A’ Doun for Lack O’ Johnnie,” and “Scots Wha Hae.” Scottish listeners were apparently woebegone to hear what had happened to their music. Its original title is Fantasie for Violin with Orchestra and Harp, freely using Scottish folk melodies. Bruch had not even been to Scotland at the time he composed the work, but was evidently so stirred by the writings of Sir Walter Scott that he sought to channel a similar beauty. Bruch’s Fantasy demands an acrobatic degree of virtuosic showmanship. As the orchestra came alive, painting a somber tone in the work’s Introduction, Chen’s bow arm seemed loaded it was taut and waiting. At the ready in a crisp tux, he assumed something like a boxer’s nimble stance, legs evenly planted. He seemed to emerge onstage with that same seriousness.
Most fans know him to pepper his feed with zany content, but this time, Chen stared ahead with a steely calm. The performance also served as Chen’s National Symphony Orchestradebut, and in true Ray Chen style, he Instagrammed a selfie just hours before. The fusion at the heart of the Scottish Fantasy seemed fully in the spotlight at an early March performance. 46, was composed by German-born Max Bruch, inspired by Scottish folk tunes, dedicated to a Spanish virtuoso, and performed by Taiwanese-Australian violinist Ray Chenin Washington, DC. Scottish Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra, Op. And is here to support you and the string world with fantastic content (like this story!) If you like what we do, please make a donation to support our work and keep the site running.
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