The Strad, January 2000

New century new talent - the stars of the next decade

Lara St. John's debut recording of Bach won her numerous fans across the world, although the cover photograph of her wearing nothing but a violin inevitably caused controversy.

An electrifying player, as deeply satisfying in Bach as she is bewitchingly seductive in Waxman's 'Carmen' Fantasy, St. John is something of a phenomenon. Born in Canada, she was touring in her early teens and subsequently studied at the Curtis Institute and the Guildhall in London. Her distinguished list of teachers includes Linda Cerone, David Takeno, Arnold Steinhardt, Felix Galimir and Joey Corpus.

St. John possesses the rare ability to master a composition from every conceivable angle and then play it as though she were discovering its special qualities for the first time. In such pieces as Bach's wrist-crippling C major Fugue (Sonata No. 3), you can take technique and perfect intonation for granted as she miraculously shapes the music with a natural spontaneity and sensitivity. Her two albums to date (solo Bach and Gypsy) are bona-fide classics of the violin discography.