Sensitized to the issue of performer facial expression (surely the
silliest criticism of performer demeanor that I can recall), I made
a point of carefully watching the German violinist Julia Fischer last
night, as she performed the Beethoven last night with the St Petersburg
Phil, on tour in San Francisco.  Like Hilary Hahn, Fischer is young (24)
and attractive.

So, does she smile while playing?  Nope.  She could double for Buster
Keaton; no smiling, nor grimacing nor mugging -- pure deadpan.  However,
for those in the audience demanding some visual stimulation she came
through, by wearing a wine-red gown featuring the most extreme decolletage
I've ever seen on a classical soloist (even Mutter).  Not a dress that
Hilary would (or could) wear.

Smiles and skin aside, it was a superb performance, surely the best I've
heard.  Concentration, nuance, power, tone -- she has it all.

 Art Scott
 Livermore, Cal.

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