Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Henryk Wieniawski, one of the most celebrated violinists and composers of the Romantic era, with this exquisite album released by Delos in 1998. Spanning a concise yet engaging hour, this collection showcases Wieniawski's virtuosity and compositional brilliance through a selection of his most renowned works.
The album opens with the dynamic "Scherzo-tarantelle, Op. 16," a piece that highlights Wieniawski's technical prowess and flair for dramatic expression. The "Polonaise No. 1 in D Major, Op. 4" follows, offering a taste of the composer's ability to blend nationalistic fervor with classical elegance. The centerpiece of the album is undoubtedly the "Violin Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 22," presented here in its entirety, including the beautifully arranged "Romance" movement for violin and piano.
Wieniawski's penchant for arranging and elaborating on existing themes is evident in the "Fantaisie brillante on themes from Gounod's Faust, Op. 20" and the "Légende, Op. 17," both of which demonstrate his ability to infuse new life into familiar material. The "Polonaise brillante No. 2 in A Major, Op. 21" and the "Etudes-caprices, Op. 18: No. 4, Caprice in A Minor" further showcase his technical ingenuity and melodic inventiveness.
The album concludes with the "Thème original varié, Op. 15," a testament to Wieniawski's skill as both a composer and a performer. This collection is a must-listen for anyone seeking to explore the rich, expressive world of Wieniawski's violin music.
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