Sibelius & Glazunov: Violin Concertos

"While it's the strength and passion of her playing [in the Sibelius] that shines through rather than an especially individual take on the work, hers is a rounded, vibrant performance...[The Glazunov] should be heard more often; Yoo is a convincing advocate, lavishing thick, dark tone on its long melodies, though occasionally making the ends of phrases sound blunt." (The Guardian)

"Esther Yoo offers an impressive debut disc . . .she has all the technique and temperament one would expect of a competition finalist . . .She brings great affection and even, perhaps, a touch of crusading zeal to the Glazunov, relishing its melting second theme and using her bright tone to good effect in the more energetic passages . . .The Grand Adagio from Glazunov's "Rayrnonda" is a welcome bonbon from a violinist whose future development should be well worth watching." Gramophone

"[in the Sibelius concerto, the Philharmonia plays well] and is captured in excellent sound . . . [and Yoo, I find, is] a superior interpreter . . . with considerable confidence and projection of the solo part -- she completely holds the stage in the first-movement cadenza, for example. There are no mannerisms in phrasing or affected tempos . . . The last movement, of the Sibelius Suite, "In the Summer," is a "moto perpetuo" that Yoo plays with winsome delicacy . . . [Yoo] displays all the promise of an outstanding violinist headed for a lasting career." Fanfare