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Kelly Hall-Tompkins,
violin: In My Own Voice
In My Own Voice: Kelly Hall-Tompkins,
violin; with Craig Ketter, piano, and Anna Reinersman, harp; works
by J. S. Bach,
Eugène Ysaÿe, Camille Saint-Saëns, William Grant Still,
David Baker, MSR Classics No. MS 1278; $14.95 available: http://www.msrcd.com/1278/1278.html
Kelly Hall-Tompkins presents a bountiful collection of lovely solo violin
works on her new CD, In My Own Voice. Describing her choice
of repertoire, Ms. Hall-Tompkins says the pieces represent “something
old, something new, something borrowed, something Blues.” The
big pieces for unaccompanied solo violin demonstrate her virtuosity:
J.S. Bach’s triumphant Chaconne, from the Second Partita for Unaccompanied
Violin in D Minor, S.1004, serves as a pillar, and it’s beautifully
performed. I give her high marks for making a war horse speak with originality
on a Guarneri del Gesu (1732 violin “ex Kaston”) with modern
set-up. Her seemingly effortless performance of Ysaÿe’s “Ballade,” from
the Sonata in D minor, Op.27, No. 3, another classic from the violin
literature, will surely please aficionados of the instrument. However,
there is much
more to savor in this album.
For starters, Camille Saint-Saëns’ heavenly classic, the Fantasy
for Violin and Harp in A, Op. 124, played with Anna
Reinersman, is a
piece we don’t hear every day; it’s a composition that has
been elevated to one of my favorites. Coupled with William Grant Still’s
gorgeous “Summerland,” Ms. Hall-Tompkins makes the instrument
sing. This is violin playing at its sweetest. The “wild card,” says
the performer, is “Ethnic Variations on a Theme of Paganini,” for
violin and piano, penned by David Baker, Jr. (b.1971). I have to admit
I’m not a fan of quotations and musical parody, but this is well
written, rich with sultry jazz-like moments and showy fanfare exploiting
the performer’s skill. Ms. Hall-Tompkins’ adept collaborative
proficiency, conviction and swing make it work — it’s a fitting
encore.
Ms. Hall-Tompkins is not only a versatile musician (she is a member of
the prestigious Ritz Chamber Players and the New Jersey Symphony) but
also an extraordinary individual. Classical music fans and readers will
remember Daniel Wakin’s article “For the Homeless, Music
That Fits a Void” (New York Times, December 18, 2009),
about her project, Music Kitchen. A global citizen, she is a French speaker
and a student of several languages and cultures. Ms. Hall-Tompkins represents
a new generation of accomplished players who define themselves on their
own terms; in so doing, she creates an intimate relationship with listeners
without walls.
The violinist grew up in South Carolina and was trained at several of
our most prestigious music schools. It was at Eastman that she met Raleigh
native Craig Ketter, the exceptional pianist who provides such strong
support in this CD. (He’s her chief recital partner, performing
with her frequently.) And it was at the Manhattan School of Music that
she met harpist Anna Reinersman, who performs in New Bern every year
during the late summer Carolina Chamber Music Festival.
Finally, hurrah for independent CD label MSR Classics! Showcasing artists
who might otherwise be overlooked, we hear a richer, more diverse repertoire.
Recorded in St. Peter’s church in NYC and Christ Church, Brooklyn,
the sound Ms. Hall-Tompkins produces is glorious. This is a splendid
CD. It deserves a prominent spot with your other violin favorites. Congratulations
Ms. Hall-Tompkins — well done!
Karen Moorman
Note: The artist’s first CD, published in 2002, is available
from Amazon; see the listing
here.
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