Violinist Hilary Hahn Releases Newest Album, “Eclipse”

Out on Deutsche Grammophon, the album features two violin concertos performed with the Frankfurt Radio Symphony 

Triple GRAMMY-winning violinist Hilary Hahn marks her return to the stage after a year-long sabbatical with her latest album titled “Eclipse,” recorded with the Frankfurt Radio Symphony (FRSO) and Andrés Orozco-Estrada.

On the album, Hahn performs her long-time favorites: Dvořák’s Violin Concerto, Ginastera’s Violin Concerto, and Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy.

“This recording tells stories I didn’t understand until I returned to the stage after a long hiatus: the elation of coming into one’s own, the declaration of an artistic identity, and what it means to regain your native language through music,” Hahn said.

“My emphasis in this interpretation is to make the piece operatic, so you can imagine hearing the words and the story they tell,” Hahn added. “It was a joy to work on it in Frankfurt with my wonderful colleagues.”

Following canceled concerts and lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hahn eventually arrived in Frankfurt in April 2021 for the live-stream of Dvořák’s Violin Concerto. Two months later, Hahn and FRSO gave their first post-lockdown concert with an audience, where their Ginastera and Sarasate performances were recorded live.

“I feel with this album like we made something powerfully beautiful together during a difficult time,” Hahn continued. “When we played the final note of the Carmen Fantasy, I felt like I’d gone through a huge shift of perspective, through something really challenging, and emerged stronger as a person and a musician.” 

Hahn compared the transition to the return of light that follows an eclipse, inspiring the album’s title. “Artistic evolution can come from many sources, but it often comes from a big event. I am so happy that I can share this pivot, this landing, this merging of voices in the global language of music.”

To purchase and listen to the album, click here. “Eclipse” is also available as a box set that includes a photo print personally signed by Hahn.