Search - John Williams, John Morris, Edvard Grieg :: Devil's Dance

Devil's Dance
John Williams, John Morris, Edvard Grieg
Devil's Dance
Genres: Special Interest, Pop, Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (13) - Disc #1

Though it's haunted by goblins, ghosts, and monsters, it is hard to find anything very satanic in much of this music, except its fiendishly difficult pyrotechnics. Its sole purpose is to display Gil Shaham's devilishly daz...  more »

     
5

Larger Image

CD Details


Synopsis

Amazon.com
Though it's haunted by goblins, ghosts, and monsters, it is hard to find anything very satanic in much of this music, except its fiendishly difficult pyrotechnics. Its sole purpose is to display Gil Shaham's devilishly dazzling virtuosity, glorious tone, elegance, humor, and bewitching charm. The only substantial piece is Tartini's "Devil's Trill Sonata," in Kreisler's edition complete with his long, diabolically strenuous cadenza; Shaham plays it very beautifully, with genuine, moving expressiveness. Elsewhere, his tongue is never far from his cheek, whether he is tossing off Bazzini's "Rondo de Lutins" perfectly at top speed, or having fun with the fireworks of Korngold's "Caprice fantastique," Sarasate's "Faust Fantasie," Grieg's "Puck" arranged by Joseph Achron, Paganini's Caprice No. 13, with a piano part by Robert Schumann, and Saint-Saëns' "Dance macabre," in which the pianist doubles for a whole orchestra. There are also transcriptions of passionately romantic pieces by Brahms and Mendelssohn, and excursions into different styles: William Bolcom's "Graceful Ghost" rag; "Transylvanian Lullaby" from John Morris's soundtrack for "Young Frankenstein" transcribed by Shaham's pianist, Jonathan Feldman; and the title piece, "Devil's Dance" arranged by John Williams from his soundtrack for "The Witches of Eastwick." You can safely invite this devil of a violinist into your home--he is excellent company. --Edith Eisler

Similarly Requested CDs

 

CD Reviews

... the best music ever recorded!
Trevor Gillespie | 05/07/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sometimes I forget to breathe-this CD is so mind-blowing! This is the type of CD that you can't help but wave your hands around pretending to conduct the song!........ Ok.... Deep breathes.......o-o...I have to calm down! Now this CD features not just the best musicians but the best composers. They are John Williams (simply the best), Camille Saint-Saens (who composed one of the most famous "spooky" songs: Danse macabre!) ,and John Morris, you know.... Composed the music for YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, the funniest movie EVER! And guess what the theme song is on the CD!.. The charming yet spooky.........'Young Frankenstein': A Transylvania Lullaby. Hexenlied, one of my favorites, is by MR. Felix Mendelssohn (no he's not Felix the cat!)..........So...many....good.....songs....so.....Little--t-t-time. OK. It's time to wrap things up.....BUY THIS CD, YOU WON'T REGRET IT! :)"
Shaham Possessed?
Trevor Gillespie | San Jose, California United States | 02/20/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"People speculated that Paganini sold his soul to the devil to play the way he did. Upon hearing this recording, those same superstitious people might wonder if this is Paganini reincarnated and renamed Gil Shaham. This is a true fireworks show for Gil Shaham, where he shows why he's one of the greatest living violinists in the music world today. His beautiful tone, easy virtuoisty (or so it sounds) and achingly beautiful lyricism are all abundantly evident in this somewhat late celebration of Halloween. Aptly titled, this CD showcases many short pieces for violin and piano that are tests of violinists and treats to listeners. It's a great disc with great melodies and impeccable playing. On this disc, the devil has thrown a dance and he has Gil Shaham playing. Are you attending?"
Perfect for Halloween.....and Any Time After
Trevor Gillespie | 10/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gil Shaham proves he is one of the best violinists of today. This recording is sheer perfection.....he shows flawless technique and artistry on all the pieces. The music is very "festive" for the Halloween season. It is a highly recommended recording. Everyone who listens will thoroughly enjoy it. And don't listen to what the c.d. cover says scan to 26 seconds before track 1 to hear a frightful surprise!! This is an extremly entertaing c.d. and is a joy to listen to."