Homage To Pablo De Sarasate
Rachel Barton recorded this debut recital when she was in her teens. I  immediately realized I was discovering a major violinist, even though Sarasate's  music doesn't make the intellectual demands of Bach. Still, the natural  musicianship, the ability to remain expressive while tossing off cascades of  notes, and the beautiful sound were all indicators too obvious to miss. Other  violinists may have played theCarmenFantasy with a bit more facility  (although Barton is no slouch), but few have made it so convincing as music.  And in the delightfulSpanish Dances, Barton positively sparkles, as does  Samuel Sanders. Gorgeous recorded sound, too.--Leslie Gerber