Patricia Kopatsjinskaja . Mihaela Ursuleasa

The Moldavian violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaya is a phenomenon. Temperamental, untameable and of the highest pedigree. She throws her entire body and soul into whatever she plays. Her technique is unequalled, her imagination endless. Everything is always given over to serve the music. Kopatchinskaya's first intention is to tell her audience a story, something she does with astonishing spontaneity. It appears as if she is discovering the music on the spot. The fact that she herself also composes music may account for this. Kopatchinskaya approaches each piece, whether it be old or new music, with same freshness. In her hands, Mozart and Beethoven sound just as modern as Bartók and Kurtág. The confrontation between old and new also determines her programme choices. She happily brings the familiar in contact with unusual, experimental sounds; often shedding new light on what we thought we already knew, arousing admiration in some and surprise in others. The fact is this violinist unleashes something. In the Romanian pianist Mihaela Ursuleasa, she has found a kindred spirit. Definitely a duo to watch out for.