Jennifer Koh
Schumann Sonatas
Cedille

By Anastasia Tsioulcas
Reuters/Billboard full article…
March 24, 2007

Worthy classical releases deserve attention

NEW YORK (Billboard)- They may not have big marketing budgets or splashy publicity campaigns behind them, but several excellent new albums issued quietly this spring by various independent labels deserve their turn in the spotlight.

From Chicago-based independent Cedille comes violinist Jennifer Koh performing Schumann's three violin sonatas (March 13). Koh has made her mark as a champion of new music. This past fall, she gave the world premiere of Jennifer Higdon's String Poetic, which was commissioned for her, and in April she will debut Spin 5, a violin concerto by Charles Wuorinen also commissioned for her.

This current recording, however, finds Koh right at the heart of Romanticism alongside pianist Reiko Uchida. Koh plays with absolute assuredness, inviting warmth and a fresh spirit. It's a welcome addition to her growing discography.

© 2007 Reuters