The Devil's Sonata: La Sonata del Diavolo in G Minor - Largo
The Devil's Sonata: La Sonata del Diavolo in G Minor - Allegro
The Devil's Sonata: La Sonata del Diavolo in G Minor - Andante, Allegro, Adagio
The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Theme & variation 1
The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variations 2 & 4
The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variations 9, 15, & 12
The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variatios 10 & 20
The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variation 29
The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variation 30
The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variation 33
The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variation 34
The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variation 23
The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variation 38
The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Cantabile
The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Allegro
The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Andante
The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Giga
The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Aria (with variations)
The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Variation 1
The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Variation 2
The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Variation 3
The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Variation 4
The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Variation 5
The Devil's Sonata: Pastorale for violin in scordatura - Grave
The Devil's Sonata: Pastorale for violin in scordatura - Allegro
The Devil's Sonata: Pastorale for violin in scordatura - Largo, Presto, Andante
Violinist Andrew Manze did something truly breathtaking in 1998--he transformed the way we hear Giuseppe Tartini's The Devil's Sonata by playing it solo, without accompaniment. And we'll never hear it the same way again. I... more »t's a riveting performance, filled with as much improvisation as many jazz compositions, and yet it remains thoroughly faithful to Tartini's vision (Manze was inspired to play the work solo by the composer's own correspondence). Hands down, one of the best Baroque performances ever. --Jason Verlinde« less
Violinist Andrew Manze did something truly breathtaking in 1998--he transformed the way we hear Giuseppe Tartini's The Devil's Sonata by playing it solo, without accompaniment. And we'll never hear it the same way again. It's a riveting performance, filled with as much improvisation as many jazz compositions, and yet it remains thoroughly faithful to Tartini's vision (Manze was inspired to play the work solo by the composer's own correspondence). Hands down, one of the best Baroque performances ever. --Jason Verlinde
"I started years ago, collecting CDs of Vivaldi's works. Along the way I began to realize that, while I loved Vivaldi, there was a wealth of Italian Baroque works to be discovered and, the period, itself, being at the heart of my obsession.And then I discovered Tartini in this CD. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The intricacy and the vision. The Devil's Sonata - aka, The Devil's Trill came to Tartini in a dream which he explains, he tried to capture upon waking. He feels he did a poor job but, there is nothing poor about this work. Nothing lacking either from his variations on Corelli ("L'arte del arco") or Sonata in A minor.If you enjoy this musical period and it's masters, you cannot be without this particular recording. It is well worth the 2 weeks waiting it may take to get it (it's an import). Andrew Manze has clearly embraced this period's music ... and soul ... and that clearly shines through this recording. I can't recommend this selection highly enough.If you love Vivaldi ... you will love this as well."
Wonderfully different
12/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Very very interesting. If you are looking for a beautiful, fluid, modern recording of the Devil's Sonata/Devil's Trill, try, perhaps, Nathan Milstein's Italian Sonatas. But if you are familiar with the usual sound of Tartini and are looking for something that engages both musically and intellectually, this is it. Certainly as virtuousic as any baroque recording one can readily think of, but conjures up the baroque era as a passionate and creative time, not just a technically miraculous one."
The Devil's Sonata as it Should be Played!
Dr. K. C. MacDonald | Cambs, England | 11/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If I wish to demonstrate to someone why the 'Baroque Violin' is special, this is the album I play to them. There is no 'modern' rendering that approaches it. The dynamic range, intimacy and passion inherent in this CD are incomparable. Though I am sure the adherents of Josh Bell, Sarah Chang and Vanessa Mae would hoot me down, I will assert that in musicianship and technical ability Manze is the finest violinist living. Period.
In over 20 years of pursuing the 'ideal' solo violin recording this would be my choice."
I think this is actually the devil playing!
Donald G. Hite III | Houston, Tx USA | 03/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Manze's interpretation of the Devil's Trill Sonata is absolutely breathtaking. Other than the pure amazing virtuosity, the most brilliant part of Manze's rendition is that despite the extreme amount of liberty he takes with the piece, it still remains true to the style and feel of the original.
Tartini said that he heard the Sonata played by the Devil in a dream, but was unable to fully capture the way it sounded when he woke and composed it. When I hear Manze's version, I can't imagine the piece could have been any better in Tartini's original dream than it is on this CD.
If you are a purist this rendition might not interest you from a historical perspective. However, as a music lover, I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't like this amazing CD. Enjoy!"
Astounding recording, worthy of consideration!
Uberfiend | Huntington Beach, CA | 02/02/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I picked this disc up several years ago, and I frequently return to it whenever I crave a fine example of baroque violin. The naysayers will say what they will about Manze's departure from a literal interpretation of the music, while his advocates point out that this is very much in the style of baroque performers as historians now understand it.
In either case, Manze proves that this music is still as alive and relevant as it was in Tartini's day. The perfomance is technically above reproach. The only complaint I can think of, and I'm nitpicking here, is that there is just a bit too much reverb for my liking. I prefer a much more straightforward recording of solo violin work, such as in the Michael Rabin or Itzhak Perlman recordings of Paganini's 24 Caprices.
Track Listings (26) - Disc #1
