Gypsy

The violinist on this album is just out of this world. What an artist!!! Her technic is amazing, her musicality is breath-taking, her spirit is just one of a kind. Together with her pianist and arranger Ilaan Rechtman, they have created one of my very favorite CDs. I never get tired of the music. It is both easy to listen and yet, deep and most interesting. I highly recommend this to every type of a listener. My favorite track is Carmen Fantasy. It makes all the other Carmen renditions I've heard totally pale in comparison. Don't miss this great album.

There is no doubt that Lara St. John demonstrated her incredible talent and violin genius in this album. In doing so however, the improvs to show technique in some instances overshadowed the melody. Some portions of the famous traditional Occhi Chornye (Dark Eyes) were barely recognizable. If you would like to be impressed by violin virtuoso technique, this is the album for you. If you'd like to enjoy piano and violin gypsy combo however, I recommend Sergei Trofanov's "Gypsy Passion". Start with Tzigane Russe and I guarantee you'll hear piano and violin techniques which are awesome and yet, maintain the integrity of the composition for the true Gypsy violin lovers. _Raoul Watson

What a great album and what a stupid album cover! I love the music, the pianist and violinist are so talented....the music they play on the CD is awsome. They could have done a better cover though, I think that it totally does not agree with the content and takes away from it's greatness. I noticed though that all of Lara's Cd covers [are bad], which is too bad.

The most wonderful thing I have ever heard in my life! Lara is to the violin and music what Michaelangelo was to paint or sculpture. Her heart, soul and talent combine to make this an album that will take you out of yourself. No matter what you are doing you will stop and be awed, inspired and amazed. It is almost like she can reach inside you and find a way to touch you, personally, in a way you never have been. My trying to put into words the feelings and emotions evoked by this wonderful artist is a bit like expecting me to write Shakespeare...I cannot do either justice! If I could only have one disc to listen to forever, this would be it!

I a world filled with outstanding violinists, it is often a daunting prospect to find one who truly rises up and demands recognition. Lara is one such artist, and this recording will show you why. Recorded using high-definition technology, one can truly appreciate the virtuosity and compelling interpretation of works from Bartok and Waxman (among others). Highly recommended.