Sarah Chang, Placido Domingo, Berliner Philharmoniker - Fire & Ice (2001)

FIRE & ICE, Sarah Chang's eleventh recital album, is a throwback of sorts: an old-fashioned star turn packed with virtuosic showpieces that would test the mettle of any violinist. But the precociously talented Chang is not just any violinist and she certainly proves it here. As usual, she rises to the occasion and offers a dazzling, bravura performance of a crowd-pleasing program, guaranteed to make even the most jaded listeners sit up and take notice. The album title is meant to convey the spectrum of moods and emotions represented in the line-up of works and Chang demonstrates the range of her interpretive abilities by navigating them with her customary blend of technical fluency and musical acumen. The disc is also notable for the participation of Placido Domingo, not in the familiar role of tenor extraordinaire, but as conductor. The legendary maestro acquits himself admirably on the podium, leading the forces of the Berlin Philharmonic in fine support throughout.