Augustin Hadelich - Flying Solo (CD)

'Flying Solo' is a dazzling solo debut by the prodigiously talented Augustin Hadelich, a young violinist with a gripping and heroic personal story.

A child prodigy, Augustin Hadelich and was poised for a major international career. His rapid rise was, however, interrupted by an horrific accident in which he was burned over most of his body and not expected to survive. After repeated operations and months of rehab, not only has he lived to tell his tale, but has made an artistic comeback of astonishing proportions. Augustin moved to New York to resume his studies and went on to receive the Artist Diploma from The Juilliard School. In 2006, he was the Gold Medallist at the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, and this year was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, a $25,000 cash prize that has previously been given to such artists as Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell and Murray Perahia.

'Flying Solo' is, quite simply, a stunning recording. The focal point is Bartk's Sonata for Solo Violin, a work Augustin first played when he was 12. Having performed it for Yehudi Menuhin and on his Carnegie Hall recital debut, it is now a central part of his repertoire. He contrasts the Bartk with three of his favourite Paganini Caprices, two sonatas by Ysae, and the intense, Bartk-inspired Sonata by Bernd Alois Zimmerman. Throughout, 'Flying Solo' perfectly demonstrates Augustin's dazzling technique and poetic style.