Critically acclaimed violinist Tianwa Yang is a winner of the prestigious ECHO Klassik Instrumentalist of the Year (Violin) 2015 Award for her Naxos recording of Ysaÿe’s 6 Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27 (8.572995), the Best Up-and-Coming Artist 2014 Award and the annual prize of the German Record Critics’ Award Association 2014 for her Naxos recordings of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concertos (8.572662) and her multiple volumes of Sarasate’s complete works for violin. Tianwa Yang is referred to as ‘an unquestioned master of the violin’ by American Record Guide who ‘rises above her competition’ (Fanfare) and a ‘sensationally talented violinist,’ by David Hurwitz of ClassicsToday.com. She has performed worldwide with major orchestras in Germany and USA, the Singapore and New Zealand Symphonies, and the London, Helsinki and Hong Kong Philharmonics. Tianwa Yang has made numerous award-winning recordings over the years, and 2021 marks her 15th anniversary as a Naxos artist.
‘...It’s always very fascinating to work with different conductors because their musical idea will also give me inspiration... I am very thankful and I can really say that without Naxos, without these recordings, without getting to know Takako and Klaus (Heymann), I would be a different person, I would be a different musician but I’m happy with who I am, so I’m thankful for all the chances Naxos has given me.’
– Tianwa Yang
Prokofiev first became fascinated by the violin upon hearing the playing of his private teacher, Reinhold Glière. A dozen years later Prokofiev wrote his Violin Concerto No. 1 – a work of contrasting open-hearted lyricism and whimsical playfulness that features a wild central Scherzo with dazzling technical gymnastics. By contrast, the Violin Concerto No. 2 is emotionally reserved and sardonic with an inspired plaintive and long-arching slow movement. Composed to an official Soviet commission for an ensemble piece to be played by talented child violinists in unison, the witty and upbeat Sonata for Solo Violin can also be played by a single performer.
‘...these performances are nothing short of mesmerizing. The music sparkles in the light like glittering diamonds... Yang’s combination of sweetness and glittering steel will absolutely bowl you over.’ – The Art Music Lounge