The performance was Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto and Berzioz' Symphony Fantastique. Ms. Hahn, of course, played only for the 35-minute Violin Concerto and a very brief solo encore. Intermission, and then the Berlioz piece was performed sans Ms. Hahn. Somehow I was under the impression that she'd also play the Higdin piece, and perform her latest recording in it's entirety. Nope, she was onstage for all of about 35-37 minutes, and that was just too brief for someone used to other genres of music where 90 minutes or more is the standard. If this is the standard onstage time for the featured soloist, well, its just disappointing. I wanted more.
So how was the 35 minutes? Very good. I was in the very last row, and can say that she had the absolute attention of the entire Hall, who hung on every note. At the end, from my vantage point can say with authority about 20-35% offerred a standing ovation. Ms. Hahn left the stage and came back out 4 times, finally playing a brief solo piece. Everybody clapped hardily, but I didnt' see anyone cry or bring out hankies. A few audible 'Bravos" & such were heard. Fact is, I'm not enough of an authority of the material to get all long-winded. I enjoyed myself.
Overall sound from LAST ROW was very good. Now, visually, could not see Ms. Hahn's facial expressions at all from that distance. Subtracting one star only for that, after all, went mostly to hear, not see. The lower registers of the orchestra were a bit muddy from up there, but still felt all impactful moments suitably well.
Finally, the Walt Disney Hall itself, inside and out, is almost worth the trip alone. If you consider yourself a music lover, you owe it to yourself to look over the Hall's program schedule and find a performance of someone you like and simply get down there. Give yourself plenty of time before the show to walk the grounds and bring your camera.
