DG CD's generally are below par in my book. But they (the German's/European's) think they sound good. It may have something to do with the typical type of audio system's they have versus us.
As far as Hilary Hahn: I think she is a very fine violinist, but no better or worse than any of the young generic artists out there. There is a huge swarm of young Asian and Russian artists out there; and one cute white female American. No wonder she stands out in the media. Same reason she wins awards. I've heard her play live a half dozen times in Baltimore (her home region), so I know what she sounds like outside a tightly controlled and manipulated recording situation. Very very good player, but nothing special or different to my ears.
Sarah Chang as just one example, is at a completely different (much higher) level of playing. They are the same age. The Media and the Public just assume Sarah is from Asia, but she was actually born and raised in Philadelphia. She is even much better live than on media, which is as it should be.
As far as Hilary Hahn: I think she is a very fine violinist, but no better or worse than any of the young generic artists out there. There is a huge swarm of young Asian and Russian artists out there; and one cute white female American. No wonder she stands out in the media. Same reason she wins awards. I've heard her play live a half dozen times in Baltimore (her home region), so I know what she sounds like outside a tightly controlled and manipulated recording situation. Very very good player, but nothing special or different to my ears.
Sarah Chang as just one example, is at a completely different (much higher) level of playing. They are the same age. The Media and the Public just assume Sarah is from Asia, but she was actually born and raised in Philadelphia. She is even much better live than on media, which is as it should be.