Con Sentimento

Thomas Jones gives exuberant virtuosic performances of Fritz Kreisler's best-loved compositions and arrangements of classical pieces.

Fritz Kreisler: driving straight to the heart of romanticism

In 'Con Sentimento', Australian violinist Thomas Jones celebrates the pure genius of Viennese composer Fritz Kreisler. These works reflect the breadth and diversity of Kreisler's outstanding ability and style as a composer, arranger, and virtuoso violinist.

A recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Award, Thomas Jones studied with Josef Gingold described as "the best living teacher of violin technique and repertoire in the world today." Gingold was a friend of Kreisler and a student of the great Belgian virtuoso Eugene Ysaÿe, who originated that blend of passionate fervour and lush sensuality that is the very essence of Romanticism. Kreisler inherited this style and infused it with his own inimitable elegance and charm. Under Gingold's guidance Jones has absorbed the legacy of this great romantic tradition.

Kreisler died in 1962 but his life was not without conflict. He was accused by renowned London Times critic Ernest Newman, of perpetuating a fraud on the musical public of the day. It had been assumed (with Kreisler's encouragement) that he had 'unearthed' baroque and classical fragments and based many of his compositions on them. Quite a controversy ensued over these "Classical Manuscripts" which were in fact Kreisler's own compositions.

As well as Kreisler's own compositions and arrangements, 'Con Sentimento' features the premier recording of a new work by gifted Australian-born violinist and composer Wilfred Lehmann. 'In A Night Waltz', written especially for Thomas Jones in 1995, the composer explores Kreisler's romantic style from a modern perspective. Other tracks include: Kreisler's 'Liebesleid (Love's Sorrow)', 'Liebesfreud (Love's Joy)', and superb arrangements of Corelli's La Folia, Gluck's 'Melodie', traditional folk songs, and works by Paganini and Dvorák.

Artists

Thomas Jones

In 1988 Jones became the violinist with the Atlanta Chamber Players, the leading ensemble in the Southeast and toured extensively with them throughout the United States. He has also appeared as guest artist with the Borodin Trio and performed as a soloist with various Australian and American orchestras including the Dekalb Symphony, the Tampa Bay Chamber Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Queensland Pops Orchestra.

Rachel Valler

Rachel Valler O.A.M. has been associate artist for many of the ABC's performers and has appeared as a soloist with the Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland symphony orchestras. She has performed regularly for Musica Viva, the Sydney Mozart Society and the Hazlewood Trio.


Press quotes

“Throughout, Jones and his accompanist Rachel Valler team in perfect harmony and their individual contributions have been ideally balanced with the studio acoustic.”

— Louis Montague, The Sunday Age

“... unashamedly romantic music ... Jones gives it the eagerness and sensuality it demands.”

— Herald Sun

“Thomas Jones gives a distinguished Kreisler celebration. For something a little different yet relaxing, this disc is ideal.”

— Tony Way, The Age - Green Guide

“Strong performances ... with a sure and confident technique”

— Mary Nemet, Mary Nemet

Audio preview

Track Listing

  1. Liebesleid (Love's Sorrow) Fritz Kreisler 4:29
  2. Allegretto in the style of Luigi Boccherini Fritz Kreisler 4:02
  3. La Folia Archangelo Corelli 12:30
  4. Midnight Bells Anton Heuberger 4:06
  5. Praeludium and Allegro Fritz Kreisler 6:14
  6. Songs My Mother Taught Me Antonín Dvořák 3:03
  7. Caprice 13 Niccolò Paganini 3:30
  8. Caprice 20 Niccolò Paganini 3:21
  9. Melodie Christoph Willibald Gluck 3:33
  10. Schön Rosmarin Fritz Kreisler 2:03
  11. The Old Refrain 3:56
  12. Liebesfreud (Love's Joy) Fritz Kreisler 4:01
  13. A Night Waltz (A Homage to Kreisler) Wilfred Lehmann 4:01
  14. Menuett Fritz Kreisler 3:16
  15. Variations on a Theme of Corelli Fritz Kreisler 3:59
  16. Farewell to Cucullain ("Danny Boy") 4:43
  17. Tempo di Minuetto Fritz Kreisler 4:01

Performers

Composers

Wilfred Lehmann

Wilfred Lehmann, one of Australia's most versatile musicians, is an internationally acclaimed violinist, conductor and composer.

Christoph Willibald Gluck

Niccolò Paganini

Antonín Dvořák

Fritz Kreisler

Archangelo Corelli

Archangelo Corelli (1653-1713) was a great violinist and composer of music for the violin and other stringed instruments. His influence on violin playing was considerable, leading to the great Italian school of violinists, which included several of his pupils.


Availability

Con Sentimento can be purchased online through Buywell Just Classical or the Australian Music Centre who both offer secure online ordering.

This title is also available in (or can be ordered through) many fine music retailers across Australia, including Thomas’, Discurio and Readings.

Product details

List price
$26.00 AUD
Total playing time
74 minutes 48 seconds
Category
Classical
Catalogue number
MD 3173
Alternate catalogue number
MD3173
Barcode
EAN 9314574317329