Rachel Barton Pine really may be the most charismatic, the most virtuosic, and the most compelling American violinist of her generation. Her recordings from
Handel through
Brahms have been sweet-toned, strong-willed, and deeply affecting and with this two-disc set called Scottish Fantasies,
Barton has once again turned in a completely convincing recording. Her performance of
Bruch's very well-known Scottish Fantasy is warm-hearted and delightfully nostalgic. Her performance of
Sarasate's fairly well-known Airs ecossais is superbly played and incredibly impressive. Her performances of
Mackenzie's nearly unknown Pibiroch Suite and
McEwen's previously unrecorded Scottish Rhapsody "Prince Charlie" are superlatively played and wonderfully touching. And her performance of a duet with Scottish fiddler
Alasdair Fraser is twice as well played and absolutely irresistible. Under the expert direction of American conductor
Alexander Platt, the
Scottish Chamber Orchestra performs with heart, soul, and spirit. Cedille's sound is full, round, and warm.