Search - Niccolo Paganini, Piero Bellugi, Stanislaw Wislocki :: The Best of Paganini

Excellent Introductory set of Paganini

01/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fine compilation. Not only it includes better compositions by Paganini, it also includes some of the best recorded performance of the works as well. As a musicological interest, Grumiaux and Szerying gave revival performances of no.3 and 4. The approaches the three violinists take are interesting to note as well. Szeryng and Grumiaux's playing emphasize the lyrical, aristocratic quality, whereas Gitlis emphasizes the demonic quality. And both approaches work splendidly. This set will provide an excellent introduction for people who does not know the compositions by Paganini, and will provide great pleasure for those who knows the music but has not heard them performed by these three wonderful violinists. Strongly recommended."

Fine compilation of Paganini

Matthew Wasco | 11/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fine collection of Paganini. Szeryng and Grumiaux gave the modern premieres for third and fourth concertos, respectively. Grumiaux's aristocratic performance of the fourth concerto has rarely been matched. In his performance, musicianship, technique and taste are balanced in an incomparable perfection. Szeryng's noble, distinguished performance of the third concerto has also very few equals. His restrained lyricism is particularly effective in the aria-like 2nd movement. As a pleasant surprise, Szeryng's performance has a great deal of charm as well (which is not always the case). Then as a contrast, this set has a hair-raisingly demonic performance of the second concerto by under-rated Ivry Gitlis. Gitlis's approach is 180 degree opposite from lyrical Grumiaux and Szeryng. Gitlis plays the concerto as if he is an personification of the devil himself, with gut-shattering vibrato and fearless abandan. Gitlis' fine performances of 3 caprices matches in every way with Heifetz's. The other recordings in this set are also distinguished, but not quite in the same level as the above mentioned. Grumiaux's lyrical performance of the first concerto sounds somewhat pale compared to young Yehudi Menuhin's 1934 performance, and so as his recording of two variations (Ricci plays a better Le Streghe, and I don't understand why Philips did not use Gitlis' version of I palpiti, which is much better). Marrinar's competent but hardly exciting perpetuo mobile (compare with Toscanini's recording!) could have been substituted with several more of Gitlis' Paganini short pieces he recorded during the 1960's on Philips. But this compilation is definitely worth getting for the concertos nos.2, 3 & 4. And the price is good too!"

An unearthly hand guides his bow

Hohenzolern@aol.com | LA | 08/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The Devil guides his bow " was what audiences said when they heard the fast fingers of Nicolo Paganini as he performed his various Caprices and Concertos. This was not an insult. He could play with demonic speed and still maintain a great sound. He is first and foremost a violinist, a superb one. Paganini's music is also brilliant and elegant sounding. In his time, audiences were moved to tears by his slower violin movements. This proves the emotional factor is present in his music, making him a Romantic composer and nevertheless a Classical composer. Stradivari violins were being made at this time. It was a great period in music and Paganini was a legend. I highly recommend this cd containing his most gorgeous works."