Violins of Hope • Pentatone 2020
Violins of Hope presents instruments that were owned by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust, representing strength and optimism for the future during mankind’s darkest hour. On this album, recorded live at Kohl Mansion, the instruments are used to perform two string quartet masterpieces by Schubert and Mendelssohn, alongside a new composition by Jake Heggie, inspired by the violins’ histories.
Performed by Sasha Cooke, Daniel Hope, Kay Stern, Dawn Harms, Patricia Heller, and Emil Miland.
“The performance here, recorded live at its premiere, is remarkable for being as polished as it is ferocious.”