There was a time when violinists were rock stars, Joshua Bell laments while introducing the three encores that follow the first of his two Sydney recitals.

Accompanied by pianist Peter Dugan, he then sets about proving they still are.

Joshua Bell. Photo © Joshua Bell Official

This is Bell’s first visit to Australia since last year’s tour with the Academy of St Martin of the Fields, where he is Music Director.

Unfettered from the orchestra, Bell the recitalist is a different proposition altogether – still virtuosic but brimming with passion and a dash of showmanship to bring the audience to its feet.

Hot on the heels of his recent performances at Wigmore Hall marking the centenary of Fauré’s passing, Bell has chosen the composer’s First Violin Sonata in A major as the centrepiece for his latest Australian tour.

Lucky us. His scheduled performance of the same piece at Wigmore Hall had to be cancelled due to illness.

Bell recorded Fauré’s First Violin Sonata in 2005 (Decca #000444702), and what a difference 20 years make!

Not that his performance then was anything to be sniffed at, but his reading is now tempered with a worldliness that comes...