The fearsomely, devilishly virtuosic Caprices of Paganini represent a technical and artistic Mount Everest for the violin. No. 24 has been popularly used as a basis of sets of variations by Liszt, Rachmaninov, Lutoslawski, Blacher and many others. Here, the Caprices are performed in the unusual arrangement for violin and piano, made by Schumann. They are an absolute joy!
NICOLÒ PAGANINI arr. Schumann for Violin & Piano
Caprices, Op. 1
David Garrett, violin
Bruno Canino, piano
Recording: Grimisuat, Tibor Varga Foundation Studio, June 1996
Executive Producer: Roger Wright
Tonmeister (Balance Engineer): Gregor Zielinsky
Recording Engineer: Reinhard Lagemann
Editing: Mark Buecker
‘The DG recording is … clear and brilliant, with a rich, warm resonance. And Bruno Canino’s playing is wonderful, the simplest figures full of Schumannesque character. The dark, expansive playing by Garrett and Canino of the Fourth Caprice is compelling, making one realize as never before Paganini’s fascination for the romantic composers following him … Garrett’s verve and spirit … a combination of youthful enthusiasm, fine recording and exceptional piano accompaniment’ Gramophone
‘The exposed technical demands of this music certainly provide a severe test of a violinist’s capabilities, and Garrett survives the ordeal in great style … Canino’s playing is wonderful, the simplest figures full of Schumannesque character’ Gramophone