The classical music world might be experiencing a shortage of top-tier violin talent — at least, according to Norman Lebrecht. The outspoken critic recently reacted to a feature in The New York Times about 21-year-old Spanish violinist María Dueñas, which hailed her as emerging from a “field crowded with prodigies.” Lebrecht quickly challenged this claim, asking, “Who are they?”
The talent pool is shrinking
Lebrecht argues that the violin world is actually facing a scarcity of young, world-class talent. He claims many significant competitions are rigged, focusing on short-term wins rather than developing long-term excellence.
Violin professors often groom students for quick victories, but many fall short when it comes to sustaining a career at the highest level. In fact, Lebrecht points out that no U.S.-born violinist has joined the top ranks of soloists since Hilary Hahn, who’s now in her mid-40s.
If there’s truly a “crowd of prodigies,” as The New York Times suggested, Lebrecht asks, where are they?
Competitions feeling the impact
This concern was echoed by the recent decision at the Barbash J.S. Bach Competition, where for the first time, no first prize was awarded. Isabelle Durrenberger, an American violinist, took home second prize, but the jury made it clear that none of the finalists met the standard for first place. A jury member, Colin Carr, openly admitted that the decision was controversial but unanimous.
A crisis of expectations?
So, is the violin world facing a drought of young talent, or are standards higher than ever?
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