Paganini: Sonatas for Violin & Guitar

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Their charting 1963 debut featured the hit title track plus other rockin’ instrumentals like "Pep Rally," "Limbo Rock," "Grandstand Stomp," "Bucket Seats," "Half Time," "Sting Ray," "Mating Call," "Let’s Dance," "Snap Happy," "Mashy," and "Make It Snappy."

Tracks:

Sonata Concertata For Violin And Guitar In A Major, M.S. 2: Allegro Spiritoso
Sonata Concertata For Violin And Guitar In A Major, M.S. 2: Adagio, Assai Espressivo
Sonata Concertata For Violin And Guitar In A Major, M.S. 2: Rondeau. Allegretto Con Brio, Scherzando
Sei Sonate M.S. 27 (Op. 3) For Violin And Guitar: Sonata No. 1 In A Major: Larghetto
Sei Sonate M.S. 27 (Op. 3) For Violin And Guitar: Sonata No. 1 In A Major: Presto Variato - Variazione
Sei Sonate M.S. 27 (Op. 3) For Violin And Guitar: Sonata No. 1 In A Major: Andante Largo
Sei Sonate M.S. 27 (Op. 3) For Violin And Guitar: Sonata No. 1 In A Major: Allegretto
Sei Sonate M.S. 27 (Op. 3) For Violin And Guitar: Sonata No. 6 In E Minor: Andante
Sei Sonate M.S. 27 (Op. 3) For Violin And Guitar: Sonata No. 6 In E Minor: Allegro Vivo E Spiritsos - Minore
Grand Sonata M.S. 3 For Violin And Guitar In A Major: Romance. Piu tosto Largo, Amorosamente
Centone Di Sonate M.S. 112 For Violin And Guitar: Lettera A: Sonata No. 2 In D Major: Adagio Cantabile
Centone Di Sonate M.S. 112 For Violin And Guitar: Lettera A: Sonata No. 2 In D Major: Rondoncino. Andantino, Tempo Di Placca - Minore
Centone Di Sonate M.S. 112 For Violin And Guitar: Lettera A: Sonata No. 2 In A Major: Adagio Cantabile
Centone Di Sonate M.S. 112 For Violin And Guitar: Lettera A: Sonata A Major: Rondo. Andantino, Allegretto-Minore-Maggiore
Cantabile M.S. 109 For Violin And Guitar (Pianoforte) In D Major
Introduction And Variations On 'Dal Tuo Stellato Soglio' From Rossini's Mose (Sonata A Preghiera) M.S. 23: Introduction. Adagio
Introduction And Variations On 'Dal Tuo Stellato Soglio' From Rossini's Mose (Sonata A Preghiera) M.S. 23: Theme. Tempo Alla Marcia
Introduction And Variations On 'Dal Tuo Stellato Soglio' From Rossini's Mose (Sonata A Preghiera) M.S. 23: Var. I
Introduction And Variations On 'Dal Tuo Stellato Soglio' From Rossini's Mose (Sonata A Preghiera) M.S. 23: Var. II Vigoroso
Introduction And Variations On 'Dal Tuo Stellato Soglio' From Rossini's Mose (Sonata A Preghiera) M.S. 23: Var. III
Introduction And Variations On 'Dal Tuo Stellato Soglio' From Rossini's Mose (Sonata A Preghiera) M.S. 23: Finale
Moto Perpetuo (Allegro Vivace A Movimento Perpetuo) M.S. 72 (Op. 11), For Violin And Guitar In C Major

Customer Reviews:

A great CD.......2006-02-02

This collection of Paganini's music has it all. Great playing from both soloists, full of passion and presence, great recording, well balanced - a must for this kind of music and great pieces, all coming to life by Gil Shaham.

Epochal Paganini.......2005-08-09

This disc is a landmark in the history of Paganini performing.Gil Shaham's flawless technique simply makes the music shine in all its virtuosistic brilliance.Shaham's light-hearted approach to the music gives the pieces on this CD a level of warmth and intimacy that is hard to find in any other recording of Paganini works.The only draw-back to this recording is the fragmentary performance of the Grand Sonata.The CD is only barely over 60 minutes long and there is still plenty of place for the 2 remaining movements to fill in.But most of all,it is the marvellous playing from both Shaham and Gollscher that stuns any listener and make them hunger for more.

Aristocratic Playing.......2002-03-04

This is a delightful cd that still sets the standard for these varied violin/guitar pieces even though they were recorded in November '92. Gil Shaham plays with an aristocratic charm that makes every piece sound so refreshing and witty; he has imbued into these Paganini works the purest violin tones and cleanest approach of everyone who has tackled the same works including Monica Huggett's recordings on Harmonia Mundi and the inexpensive Naxos recordings. Indeed while listening to both Huggett's and Shaham's interpretations of the "Sonata Concertata", I prefer the latter simply because it is so much more refined; Huggett's playing seems more raw and less polished even though there may appear to be more energy. Huggett plays the piece as if it was a Baroque Miniature Masterpiece; Shaham plays it in the Classical Mold full of romance and feeling- imparting a greater degree of mystery and spirituality. Shaham makes every note sound just right and no quips with the interpretation; his refinement of technique reminds me of a young Arthur Grumiaux but with a even greater sense of mastery and control.

It is an interesting fact that Paganini wrote over 100 solo pieces for the guitar even though he is now known primarily for his violin works. Paganini is believed to have used the guitar as the instrument of choice during composition. Although his guitar pieces do not approach the virtuosic exuberance of the more famous violin counterparts such as the "24 Caprices", they define an intimate and private Paganini; one who indulges in a more relaxed and quiet setting- away from the fireworks of the stage performances. However make no mistake- many of these pieces from this recording are meant to be played with a lot of fire and splendid bowtapping such as the "Moto Perpetuo" (the last selection) and Shaham's rhythmic attack never slackens even in the most demanding passages.

"Paganini for Two" on first glance sounds like any other recording made especially for background dinner music (even the tiny sticker on the packaging highlights this point!)but there is a lot of lyrical refinement for even the serious Paganini collector and classical music lover. A number of Sonatas are included although at times the guitar plays a lesser role. I would have preferred to see the entire "Grand Sonata" appear in this recording but only the "Romance" from it- a very short four and a half minute piece is included. The rest of the programme if not generous is still varied and interesting- stretching slightly over 60 minutes.

All this talk of Shaham certainly does not detract from the wonderful accompaniment provided by veteran guitarist Goran Sollscher who was known previously for his luminous recordings of the Bach Lute suites (also on DG)and refreshing interpretations of even the music of the Beatles! You can hear every one of Sollscher's notes and this partnership is certainly a very successful one. To cap it all off, the sound is crystal clear with a lot of depth and proper soundstaging. The violin and guitar sound very holographic and on a good hi-fi equipment, this disc can be worthy of demonstration material.

A Solid 5 Star Recommendation? You bet!

passion in a cage.......2000-03-22

I wonder what the musicians on this record could do, if they really let themselves go! Here we have so much brilliant skill, and Shaham & Söllcher could easily exchange a bit of it for some rage and tears. Then it should have been a six star rating on this record!

Glad to see Paganini's guitar music isn't being neglected........1999-07-09

Among the "big three" of classical writers for guitar (Sor, Giuliani, Paganini), Paganini seems to me best at integrating the guitar in chamber ensembles. Not that his guitar-violin relationship is static in these duets. In the Sonata Concertante, for example, the instruments are almost equal partners, with the guitar slightly upstage. In the six sonatas, the guitar merely provides accompaniment.

The common denominator is the likeability of this music, with little or none of the bravura writing for which Paganini is best known. In fact, among the three composers for the guitar above-mentioned, Paganini seems to me the most straight-ahead and guitaristic.

It's interesting to see Sollscher tackle this material, since he's best-known for his solo Bach transcriptions on his custom 11-string. Totally different -- and totally entrancing.

Tracks:

Son Con in A: Allegro spiritoso
Son Con in A: Adagio assai espressivo
Son Con in A: Rondeau-Allegretto con brio scherzando
6 Son, Op.3: Son No.1 in A: Larghetto
6 Son, Op.3: Son No.1 in A: Presto variato
6 Son, Op.3: Son No.2 in G: Adagio con dolcezza
6 Son, Op.3: Son No.2 in G: Andantino scherzoso
6 Son, Op.3: Son No.3 in D: Andante sostenuto
6 Son, Op.3: Son No.3 in D: Rondo-Molto allegro
6 Son, Op.3: Son No.4 in a: Andante largo
6 Son, Op.3: Son No.4 in a: Allegretto mottegiando
6 Son, Op.3: Son No.5 in A: Adagio amoroso
6 Son, Op.3: Son No.5 in A: Allegretto mottegiando
6 Son, Op.3: Son No.6 in e: Andante innocentemente
6 Son, Op.3: Son No.6 in e: Allegro vivo
Var(s) on 'Barucaba'
Cantabile in D

Customer Reviews:

Essential for any fan of violin or classical guitar. 5 Stars.......2003-03-08

If you don't know this, Nicolo Paganini was like the Jimi Hendrix of the Violin. Some, back then, thought he was possessed when he played. If we could only venture back in time to hear him, huh? We can't, but these recordings of his compositions are magnificent. The violin and guitar in this recording-and volume two which you should get right away-are stunning. Very tight and crisp sounding, but still the kind of playing that can mellow you out after a miserable day full of stress and tension. Excellent sound production, as with all from the Naxos label. Don't miss out on this one. 5 Star essential rating *****. Cheers!

Average customer rating:

The Art of Ruggiero Ricci

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Milstein (4CD Set)
The Art of Ivry Gitlis
Leonid Kogan Edition [Box Set]
Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli Vol. 2 [Germany]
Lazar Berman Edition (Box Set)

ASIN: B0001NPTX4
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Paganini: Music for Violin and Guitar II

Average customer rating:

Sonata for Viola
Enchanting

Paganini: Music for Violin and Guitar II

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Paganini: Music for Violin and Guitar I
Paganini: Centone di Sonate, Vol. 2
Paganini: Guitar Music
Paganini: Centone de Sonate Vol. 1
Paganini: Centone di Sonate, Vol. 3

ASIN: B0000013XX
Release Date: 1994-01-01

Tracks:

Sonata For Gran Viola And Guitar: Introduction - Larghetto
Sonata For Gran Viola And Guitar: Cantabile - Andante sostenuto
Sonata For Gran Viola And Guitar: Theme And Variations
Duetto amoroso
6 Sonatas, Op. 2 - Sonata No. 1 In A Major: Minuetto - Adagio
6 Sonatas, Op. 2 - Sonata No. 1 In A Major: Polonese
6 Sonatas, Op. 2 - Sonata No. 2 In C Major: Larghetto espressivo
6 Sonatas, Op. 2 - Sonata No. 2 In C Major: Allegro spiritoso
6 Sonatas, Op. 2 - Sonata No. 3 In D Minor: Adagio maestoso
6 Sonatas, Op. 2 - Sonata No. 3 In D Minor: Andante galantemente
6 Sonatas, Op. 2 - Sonata No. 4 In A Major: La Sinagoga - Andante calando
6 Sonatas, Op. 2 - Sonata No. 4 In A Major: Andantino con brio
6 Sonatas, Op. 2 - Sonata No. 5 In D Major: Andante moderato
6 Sonatas, Op. 2 - Sonata No. 5 In D Major: Allegro spiritoso
6 Sonatas, Op. 2 - Sonata No. 6 In A Minor: Largo con precisione
6 Sonatas, Op. 6 - Sonata No. 6 In A Minor: Tempo di Walzer
Cantabile And Valse
Variazioni di bravura, On Caprice No. 24

Customer Reviews:

Sonata for Viola.......2006-12-12

I only downloaded the viola sonata on iTunes, but I'm quite sure that it is played on a viola rather than violin (see review below). It sounds like a viola, and I checked the low notes in the last variation and they are low Cs (compared them against my viola). The playing is spectacular. I like this piece with orchestra, but it has an entirely different flavor w/ guitar that is very nice.

I haven't heard the other pieces on the disc, but I'd say it's worth it for the Viola Sonata alone.

Enchanting.......2000-08-14

Although modest in scale, these lovely compositions are highly lyrical and passionate. The Duetto Amoroso is one of my favorites. The recording is good. Scott St. John is a first prize winner of the Alexander Schneider competition, and he plays a 1717 Stradivarius which was loaned to him after he won the 1988 Canada Council Competition. Wynberg provides good accompaniment, but the focus of these compositions is on the violin. I wish that the Gran Viola Sonata was performed on the instrument for which it was composed. Otherwise a great CD.

Average customer rating:

A Viola Master In His Prime
Heartrending

William Primrose Collection Vol.2

Manufacturer: Doremi Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

William Primrose Collection, Vol.1
William Primrose Collection, Vol. 3
William Primrose Collection Vol. 4
Handel: Concerto in B/Walton: Viola Concerto/Williams: Flos Campi/Bach: Komm/Schubert: Litanei/Dvorak: Humoresque/Nev
The Early Recordings, Violin and Viola

ASIN: B00004KD3Q
Release Date: 2000-03-14

Tracks:

Son in f, Op.120 No.1: I. Allegro Appassionata - William Primrose/William Kapell
Son in f, Op.120 No.1: II. Andante Un Poco Adagio - William Primrose/William Kapell
Son in f, Op.120 No.1: III. Allegretto Grazioso - William Primrose/William Kapell
Son in f, Op.120 No.1: IV. Vivace - William Primrose/William Kapell
Son in E flat, Op.120 No.1: I. Allegro Amabile - William Primrose/Gerald Moore
Son in E flat, Op.120 No.1: II. Allegro Appassionato - William Primrose/Gerald Moore
Son in E flat, Op.120 No.1: III. Andante Con Moto - William Primrose/Gerald Moore
Son No.6 in A: I. Adagio Molto - William Primrose/Joseph Kahn
Son No.6 in A: III. Allegro Moderato - William Primrose/Joseph Kahn
Concert Hall Recordings: Armed Forces Radio Service: Caprice No.24 - William Primrose
Concert Hall Recordings: Armed Forces Radio Service: Policinelle - William Primrose
Concert Hall Recordings: Armed Forces Radio Service: I Dream Of Jeannie With The Light-Brown Hair - William Primrose
Concert Hall Recordings: Armed Forces Radio Service: Andante Cantabile Op.11 - William Primrose

Customer Reviews:

A Viola Master In His Prime.......2005-05-01

William Primrose (1904-1982) was arguably the greatest of all violists. These recordings demonstrate that his virtuosity went hand in hand with supreme musicianship. The major items here are the two Brahms Sonatas, originally written for clarinet but later arranged by the composer for viola and piano. #1 (recorded 1946) is with pianist William Kapell, while #2 (recorded 1937) is with Gerald Moore. The transfers here are superior to Pearl's (both sonatas) and RCA's Kapell Edition (#1 only). I prefer these bolder performances to Primrose's later accounts with Rudolf Firkusny (Angel).

In #1 the tragically short-lived Kapell is a superb partner in a reading that is more dynamic and dramatic than any other I've heard. The sound here is warm and full. Moore is a fine accompanist in #2, which suffers a bit from its older sound.

The Boccherini Sonata #6 (1939, with Joseph Kahn) is a lovely work, and it's performed with great sensitivity and noble tone. The four encore items (from wartime Armed forces radio broadcasts) are delightful: a dazzling Paganini Caprice, Kreisler's Policinelle, an arrangement of Tchaikovsky's Andante Cantabile, and a gorgeously schmalzy rendition of Foster's "I dream of Jeannie with the light-brown hair."

I'm keeping this CD and weeding my other versions.

Highly recommended.

Heartrending.......2004-03-27

As a player and passionate fan of the viola, I can personally say that these are the most gorgeous pieces for solo viola I've heard. Wiliam Primrose is the king of the viola- his instrument sings like only a viola can on these recordings. If you love the rich, mellow sound of a viola, or are wondering what on earth a viola is, I highly recommend this recording. Either way, you won't be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

The Recorded Viola, Vol.2

Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Bach: 6 Suites for Cello Solo
The Art of the Viola
Bartok: Viola Concertos

ASIN: B000000WPE
Release Date: 1995-05-23

Tracks:

Allegro
Sonata For Flute, Viola And Harp: Pastorale: Interlude: Final (Allegro moderato)
Rhapsody No. 1 (L'etang)
Concerto In C: Ronda
Ardent Declaration
I Loved You (Pushkin)
Barcarolle
Acetate Of A Broadcast: Konzertstuck
Pieces en Trio
Horn Sonata, Op. 17 (Excerpt)
Gestillte Sehnsucht, Op. 90 - 1: Gestillte Sehnsucht, Op. 90-1

Tracks:

Acetate Of A Broadcast: Perpetuum mobile
Sonata in A: Adagio molto Into Allegro moderato
Op. 6-6: None But The Weary Heart
Op. 1-13: Caprice No. 13 ('La Risata')
Op. 1-5: Caprice No. 5
Suite For Viola Orchestra: 2nd Movement: Carol
Suite For Viola Orchestra: 3rd Movement: Dance
Suite For Viola Orchestra: 4th Movement: Ballad
Passacaglia
Sonata in G minor: Largo - Corrente - Adagio - Allegro vivace
First Ancient Song
Second Ancient Song
Sinfonia Concertante In E-Flat, K. 364 (Ronda Only)
Fantasia On Greensleeves
Adagio In F
Arrival Platform Humlet
The Sussex Mummers' Carol

Average customer rating:

Paganini: Sonatas and Capricci

Manufacturer: Tuxedo
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000006RC2
Release Date: 2000-09-30

Tracks:

Witch Dances
Sonatina in a
Sonatina in C
Caprice Op.1 No.24 in a
Sonatina in e
Caprice Op.1 No.20 in D
Caprice Op.1 No.23 in E flat
Caprice Op.1 No.9 in E
Caprice Op.1 No.14 in E flat
Caprice Op.1 No. 19 in E flat
Caprice Op.1 No.13 in B flat
Caprice Op.1 No.17 in E flat

Decca Recordings, 1950-1960 (Limited Edition)

Average customer rating:

The passion for the instrument!
It's About Time !!
Rewarding Ricci

Decca Recordings, 1950-1960 (Limited Edition)

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Virtuoso Violin
Oistrakh, Menuhin & Rostropovich Play Bach, Brahms & Mozart (EMI Classic Archive 18)
David Oistrakh: Brahms/Sibelius/Tchaikovsky

ASIN: B0000B0A0O
Release Date: 2003-11-25

Customer Reviews:

The passion for the instrument!.......2006-11-05

After having watched Ricci six times during two long decades in Caracas, I even can evocate and still remember with meridian clarity, the powerful sound, the enraptured vibratos and vibrant staccatos to produce an expressive sound, without excess of the Romantic vision of violinists such as Menuhin, for instance. Thanks to Ricci I always preferred the Guarnerius del Gesu 1734 rather than the well know Stradivarius sound.

This album contains a very special selection that talks by itself about his overwhelming technique and voluptuous lyricism.

His approach about two of his most beloved composers, Paganini and Sarasate are simply illuminating. But the sound talks better than any other compliment. Go for this five albums set and enjoy over and over about one of the most distinguished violinists of the past Century.

It's About Time !!.......2005-03-28

I've been waiting for these Ricci productions to be transferred to CD for years and years. Why did it take so long?

Ricci, to me, is an astounding violinist who loves his instrument. Don't expect Ruggiero to play like anyone else; he is
unique among fiddle players. Ricci is, well, Ricci.

I once owned everything he recorded in the 50's and 60's; much
of it can be found here. And, make no mistake, these recordings
were mastered on state-of-the-art equipment and do not sound dated at all.

You will not find cookie-cutter performances from Ruggiero Ricci.
Here you will find a new way. The Prokofiev tracks have been
fondled by sweet hands too long; listen to Ricci. He plays
Prokofiev in a devilishly different style. And 'O !! his Tzigane by Ravel is played so hauntingly that you will get the creeps !!
Leave the lights on if you must, but it's best listened to in the dark. Your skin will crawl.

Rewarding Ricci.......2004-02-04

This five disc box set featuring the Decca Recordings (1950-60) of violinist Ruggiero Ricci is easily the best of the latest batch of releases in the limited edition "Original Masters" series. Nearly 3/4 of this collection is material that is being made available for the first time internationally. All of the first three CDs (CD1: Paganini's 24 Caprices; CD2: Paganini's 1st & 2nd VCs with Collins and Ravel's Tzigane with Ansermet; and CD3: Strauss and Weber Sonatas) and most of the fifth disc (Hindemith & Prokofiev Sonatas) fall into this category. Furthermore, all of the material on CD4 (Saraste & Saint-Saens with Gamba and Lalo's "Symphonie Espagnole" with Ansermet) was previously available on a disc in Decca's "Classic Sound" series but it has been out of print for years. In fact, the only selection currently in print from this set is Khachaturian's Violin Concerto (Fistoulari, 1956), which is available on a Double Decca title that I had fortunately yet to purchase. The only downside to this collection is the predominance of mono recordings (only the Tzigane, CD 4 and the Hindemith & Prokofiev Sonatas are in stereo), but they still sound delightful, and only the Paganini Caprices suffer the slightest hiss. In all, another great set in the "Original Masters" series.