Search - Szymanowski, Hahn, Fielding :: Complete Music for Violin & Piano

Great Music, Questionable Performance

06/26/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Karol Szymanowski fills the gap in polish music between Chopin, and Lutoslawski. A rather unknown composer with diverse style that ranges from a romantic tradition evolved from Scriabin, and Chopin to a very impressionistic and romantic style that takes inspiration from Strauss, Debussy, Schoenberg, Stravinsky and others. The best work on the CD is the Tarantelle which is filled with exciting virtuosic writing and an exciting rhythmic drive, yet also contains intense lyrical writing. The Three Myths are also amazing works containing some of the most beautiful and passionate writing for the violin ever. The Paganini variations are very lovely recompositions of three Caprices by Paganini, with a wonderful added piano accompaniment. Also, included in this recording is the hauntingly beautiful Roxanna's Song, a transcription of an aria from his Opera King Roger. Hahn's performance is technically up to par, but he misses the mark in his interpretation. Hahn does not do justice to Szymanowski's magical writing, but nonetheless the power of these works still shine through. I believe that this CD is a very valuable addition to any violin lovers collection."