“…the elegance and immaculate suaveness of a Heifetz or Oistrakh” — Natal Daily News
Distinguished South African violinist Piet Koornhof’s fifth recording for Delos highlights (in keeping with the title) virtuoso showpieces for his instrument, both well-known and rare.
In this 2-CD set, Piet tackles some of the most brilliant and technically challenging repertoire for violin ever written. We hear glittering masterpieces by fabled masters of the instrument: Henryk Wienawski, Fritz Kreisler, and Eugene Ÿsaye. On the more rarely performed side, we get highly worthwhile violin treasures by, among others, Glazunov, Kroll, Taneyev, Rota, and Karayev – as well as a particularly fascinating cycle by Eduard Toldrà.
Piet’s jaw-dropping virtuosity and ery interpretations are sensitively supported by his compatriot, pianist Bernarda Vorster. Together they have crafted a beautifully performed program that will appeal in particular to violinists and fans of the instrument, as well as an awe- inspiring listening experience for the rest of us.
TRACK LISTING:
DISC 1
- Henryk Wieniawski: Polonaise de Concert in D major, Op. 4 (7:07)
- Alexander Glazunov: Meditation, Op. 32 (3:41)
- William Kroll: Banjo and Fiddle (2:59)
- Balys Dvarionas: Pezzo Elegiaco (Elegy) (6:21)
- Henryk Wieniawski: Polonaise Brillante in A major, Op. 21 (10:11)
- Myroslav Skoryk: Melody from the lm The High Mountain Pass (3.37)
- Dmitri Kabalevsky: Rondo, Op. 69 (7:39)
- Sergei Taneyev: Romance, Op. 26, No. 6 (4:01)
- Fritz Kreisler: Tambourin Chinois (3:55)
- Myroslav Skoryk: Spanish Dance (4:31)
- Nino Rota: Improvviso (6:24)
- Kara Karayev: Waltz from the ballet The Seven Beauties (4:04)
- Henryk Wieniawski: Scherzo Tarantelle, Op. 16 (5.02)
DISC 2
Eduard Toldrà: The Six Sonnets
- Sonetí de la Rosada (Sonnet to the Dew) (4:24)
- Ave Maria (5:36)
- Les Birbadores (The Gleaners) (2:37)
- Oració al Maig (Supplication to the Month of May) (4:25)
- Dels Quatre Vents (From the Four Winds) (2:00)
- La Font (The Spring) (4:15)
- Sonata for solo violin No. 3, Ballade (6:36)
Eugene Ÿsaye:
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