Joshua Bell, the renowned violin virtuoso, invites you to experience the enchanting world of "Le Mystère Stradivarius," a captivating classical album released on February 29, 2008, under the Sony Classical label. Spanning a rich duration of 2 hours and 6 minutes, this album is a testament to Bell's extraordinary talent and his deep connection with the Stradivarius violin.
The album is a diverse collection of timeless pieces, ranging from classical masterpieces to popular show tunes, all masterfully arranged for violin and orchestra. It opens with the delicate beauty of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" and takes you through a journey of romantic melodies, virtuosic displays, and enchanting compositions. Bell's interpretation of pieces like Mendelssohn's "Concerto in E Minor for Violin and Orchestra" and Saint-Saëns' "Introduction and Tarantella" showcases his technical prowess and musical sensitivity.
"Le Mystère Stradivarius" also features Bell's arrangements of beloved songs from Broadway and film, including "Nice Work If You Can Get It," "Ladies in Lavender," and "New York, New York." These arrangements demonstrate Bell's versatility and his ability to infuse classical elegance into popular music.
The album culminates with Bell's own compositions, "Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra" and "Short Trip Home," offering a glimpse into his creative genius. With "Le Mystère Stradivarius," Joshua Bell delivers an album that is both a celebration of the Stradivarius violin and a showcase of his extraordinary artistry.
(P) 2007 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Tracks
Swan Lake, Op. 20a, TH 219: Russian DancePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Michael Tilson Thomas, Joshua Bell, Berliner Philharmoniker
Concerto in E Minor for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 64: III. Allegretto non troppo - Allegro molto vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Joshua Bell, Camerata Salzburg, Sir Roger Norrington
Nocturne No. 20 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. posth (Arranged for Violin & Orchestra)Frédéric Chopin, Joshua Bell, Michael Stern, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro (Arr. C. Leon for Violin & Orchestra)Giacomo Puccini, Joshua Bell, Michael Stern
III. Moderato - Allegretto from Concerto No. 1 in A minor for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 28Karl Goldmark, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Joshua Bell, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Beau soir, L. 6 (Arranged for Violin & Piano by Jascha Heifetz)Claude Debussy, Joshua Bell, Frederic Chiu
Introduction and Tarantella, Op. 43Pablo de Sarasate, Joshua Bell, Simon Mulligan, Nigel Hess
Songs without Words, Op. 62: No. 1, May Breezes (Arranged for Violin & Orchestra by Joshua Bell)Felix Mendelssohn, Joshua Bell, Michael Stern, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Elegie: O doux printemps d'autrefoisJules Massenet, Joshua Bell, Michael Stern, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
The Carnival of VeniceNiccolò Paganini, Joshua Bell, Simon Mulligan, Nigel Hess
Après un rêve, Op. 7: No. 1Gabriel Fauré, Joshua Bell, Frederic Chiu
III. Rondo. Allegro from Concerto in D Major for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 61Ludwig van Beethoven, Joshua Bell, Sir Roger Norrington, Camerata Salzburg
I. Allegro ben ritmato e deciso from Three Preludes - InstrumentalGeorge Gershwin, John Williams, Joshua Bell
Nice Work If You Can Get ItGeorge Gershwin, Joshua Bell, John Williams, London Symphony Orchestra
I Got Rhythm (From "Girl Crazy")George Gershwin, Joshua Bell, John Williams, London Symphony Orchestra
Ladies in LavenderNigel Hess, Joshua Bell, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
I. Cremona, The Red ViolinJohn Corigliano, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Joshua Bell, Philharmonia Orchestra
III. Oxford, Pope's ConcertJohn Corigliano, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Philharmonia Orchestra, Joshua Bell