Niccolò Paganini
Paganini's Caprices, variations and concert pieces expanded the violin's technical and colouristic range, from left-hand pizzicato and harmonics to theatrical showpieces such as Le Streghe. They still set the standard for virtuoso display.
Written largely for his own concerts, the music thrives on brilliance and showmanship. The 24 Caprices Op. 1 fixed devices later players took for granted and became a springboard for composers from Liszt and Brahms to Rachmaninoff. Alongside the violin concertos and variation sets he left chamber works that give the guitar a central place, often in intimate rather than public settings. Orchestral writing stays supportive, keeping the spotlight on the solo line.
Compositions by Niccolò Paganini appear on
Con Sentimento
Thomas Jones gives exuberant, virtuosic performances of Fritz Kreisler’s best-loved compositions and arrangements, joined by pianist Rachel Valler in a celebration of Viennese romantic violin style.
Flight
Concordia Mandolin and Guitar Ensemble gathers its more virtuosic, lively and passionate repertoire under the idea of flight. Flight of the Bumble Bee and Le Streghe (The Witches) lead the way; the remaining works answer with energy and vitality that suggest flights of fancy.