Lara St. John during rehearsal

Internet Reviews on Lara St. John often displays her anatomy on her CD covers, but she has more to offer than that. In this entertaining collection, she plays freely and on a very large scale, just what gypsy music requires. It may not take much intellect to play Waxman's Carmen Fantasy (I like Sarasate's better, anyway). But it does take intellect, and lots more, to play Bartók's Second Rhapsody as convincingly as she does here, with the very assertive collaboration of Ilan Rechtman. St. John doesn't make the difficulties of Ravel and Sarasate sound easy, but both musicians play with such flair it doesn't matter. Rechtman's gypsy arrangements are goofy and enjoyable. Wide-range sound. --Leslie Gerber FANTASTIC! Reviewer: a music fan from Amsterdam, Holland November 2, 1999 This is a fantastic record, a legendary record, and you have to hear it for yourself. Nowhere before Lara St. John have I heard such passion, such dazzling technique, and such depth of interpretation in these pieces. Nobody else - Perlman, Rosand, Sarah Chang -- even comes close. This is a performer that is a born Gypsy, a born entertainer, and, at the same time, a truly profound musician. On this record, she is joined by Ilan Rechtman, who is a well-matched accomplice, and a super-witty arranger. I love this record! PASSIONATE, PROFOUND... AN AMAZING DEBUT. Reviewer: Ljova Zhurbin (L@Ljova.com) from New York, NY November 2, 1999 It seems that there has been much controversy in this space, about the value of this recording. Some people are alarmed by the cover, others just prefer Hillary Hahn. I wonder, though, if any of those negative-thinkers ever actually listened to the disc, and if they have done so more than once. We all get attached to our favorite records at one point or another, and, after that, are very reluctant to give another performer another chance.If you are an "expert", an "audiophile", or if you have heard your Bach the same way for 50 years, then this may take some getting used to. The interpretation is strong, passionate, and unique. For me, there is no substitute. I have heard this disc for the first time three years ago, in a Tower Records listenning station. I have recommended it to everyone, and I recommend it to you. But, enough. You must listen to it yourself. Lend it an open ear, and an open heart. Yes, that's how amazing it is. BACH WOULD BE IMPRESSED! Reviewer: A music fan from Las Vegas, NV September 5, 1999 Lara St. John's performances of the Bach Works for Violin Solo would definitely impress Bach himself. Her mastery of the violin shows in her passion and beauty of her performance. A must have for any classical music listener! LARA ST. JOHN IS A PASSIONATE AND TALENTED PERFORMER. Reviewer: TwoRvrRats@aol.com from San Diego, CA, USA August 9, 1999 From the very first note of this CD you can feel the intensity and love Lara has for her instrument. She plays the Bach pieces with ease despite their difficulty. This solo violin CD is as enjoyable as a full orchestra and Lara takes your breath away with her emotion. It is one to keep and listen to repeatedly. Her Gypsy CD is also worth the expense, again displaying her beautiful gift for virtuosity. BACH FULL OF PASSION, GRACE, AND FIRE Reviewer: Dave from California June 10, 1999 I have been studying Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin with a passion for about 5 years now. I own about a dozen recordings by other top Bach performers but I have found that Lara St. John's recording is the most enjoyable of them all. Her Chaconne ( as well as the rest of the recording ) is as close to perfect as I have ever heard and her interpretation is very tasteful. She doesn't over-romanticize her performance like I've heard from other performers and this gives it a more authentic feel as I have heard in period instrument recordings. Lara is a young, beautiful girl and is often criticized for her slightly risque CD covers. This is a shame as many people won't even give her recording a chance. Even though her recording has won the hearts of many critics, amateur and professional alike, many still feel the need to tear down all that she has done. This is unfortunate. All I can say is that anyone who doesn't give this recording a chance with an open mind is doing themselves and Ms. St. John a disservice. THE ARTIST IS A BACH PLAYER "TO THE MANNER BORN" Reviewer: woodmor@aol.com from Thousand Oaks, CA February 16, 1999 If ever there was a musician born to play the Bach unaccompanied suites for violin solo, this album proves that Lara St John is that artist. Every note in every phrase carries an absolute sense of direction and purpose with the conviction that the composer's message is sublime and ineffable. The gorgeous tone and effortless technique is just so much icing on the cake in light of the passionate and heartfelt depth of these interpretations. The artist is still quite young and her characterizations of certain passages are slightly weak; but this caveat in no way detracts from the amazing achievement and accomplishment of this wonderful virtuosa. One can only hope and dream that Ms. St. John will continue to record more Bach. A FRESH LOOK AT BACH!!! Reviewer: A music fan from Chicago February 16, 1999 This is an amazing recording. Lara St. John's playing of Bach is passionate, personal and seemingly effortless--sounds almost improvisational at times. Great sound quality, too! INTENSE, PASSIONATE RENDITION OF AN INCREDIBLE MASTERWORK Reviewer: A music fan from Santa Rosa, CA September 11, 1998 Picture this: I am on vacation in Hawaii, driving home from the grocery store. I turn the radio to the local public radio station. I notice that a violin is playing a Bach solo violin work that I am fairly familiar with. As I listen, I find myself gradually turning up the volume, because I notice that there is something truly special about this performance.By the time I get home, I am so into it that I run into the condo we are renting and turn on the radio, sitting on the edge of a chair directly in front of the speakers with my head bowed and my eyes closed. As the violinist gets deeper into the final movement, tears are running down my face and dripping to the floor. I am vaguely aware that my wife, sister, and brother-in-law are pausing as they walk by, but I am too moved to care. At the end of the piece I am emotionally spent. There is a pause as the announcer, his voice betraying the fact that he has just had a similar experience, says, "It's incredible how much music can come out of one instrument." (pause) "That was Lara St. John, playing Bach's Partita No.2 for solo violin." I open my eyes and look up at my wife, who says "So, I guess we'll have to get that CD." To which I respond, "Darn right."