Search - Pablo de Sarasate, Gypsy Traditional, Jean-Paul-Gilles Martini :: Zigeunerweisen: Famous Violinists Play Gypsy Airs/Aires Gitanas/Airs Bohemiens

Gypsy Delight

toscha | Palo Alto, CA USA | 12/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fun CD. Not all of the selection can be classified as gyspy music, such as "Carmen Fantasy" and Tchaikovsky's "Russian Dance." But most of the other pieces can easily fit into salon/gypsy music category. It is great to have so many selection played by Dinicu, who was a superb Roumanian gypsy violinist with a classical background (he studied with no other than Carl Flesch). He plays with great "brio" and rich juicy tone, an absolute requirement for playing gypsy music. His "Hora Staccato" (arranged and popularized by Heifetz)crackles with incredibly fast (and crisp!)up-bow staccatos. The other violinists in this CD plays beautifully. Polyakin plays a fine Zigeunerweisen and Habanera, if not quite in the same league as Heifetz's legendary recording. Elman sounds very much at home with the Tchaikovsky piece he is playing. Seidel's performance of "Brahmsiana" may offend some of the musical purists for its gushing tonal orgy, but I find it quite delightful. And not but least, Heifetz's spine-tingling performance of "Carmen Fantasy" adds a extra glory to this CD. The CD ends with an ancient (recorded a century ago! ) recording of Hungarian gypsy musician. The sound is remarkably clear and playing has great gusto. Not recommended for musical purists or hi-fi buffs, but strongly recommended for people who loves grand old style of violin playing."