Violinist.com

V.com weekend vote: Have you ever conducted, or led an ensemble or student group?

January 22, 2022, 12:14 PM · A lot of conductors have emerged from the string sections of orchestras - after all, Gustavo Dudamel played violin, as did Jaap van Zweden. And of course there are artists such as Joshua Bell and Itzhak Perlman who turned to conducting after having an established solo career.

Have you ever taken to the baton, or conducted from the violin? Was it a full orchestra, or a smaller ensemble? Was it a pro group, or are you a teacher who conducts student groups? Please participate in the vote by choosing the answer that feels most appropriate (recognizing that you may have several answers!) and then tell us all about it in the comments!

Keep reading...

Comments (3)

For the Record, Op. 184: David Garrett 'Unlimited' DVD; Kyung Wha Chung 4 Seasons on Vinyl; cellist Edgar Moreau

Laurie Niles

January 21, 2022, 4:48 PM · Welcome to "For the Record," Violinist.com's weekly roundup of new releases of recordings by violinists, violists, cellists and other classical musicians. We hope it helps you keep track of your favorite artists, as well as find some new ones to add to your listening!

David Garrett Unlimited - Live from the Arena di Verona
David Garrett, violin

A rockumentary about a violinist - why not? David Garrett is a classically trained violinist whose rock arrangements and performances have attracted stadiums full of fans over the last decade. This DVD celebrates the 10-year anniversary of his crossover program, which includes violin arrangements of rock classics like "We Are The Champions," "Smells Like Teen Spirit," "Viva La Vida" and "Hey Jude" -- as well as classical hits like Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. The featured concert took place at the Arena di Verona, Italy, during his 2019 tour. BELOW: Trailer for the documentary:

Keep reading...

Susanna Klein: Recital of Beautiful Music, Exquisitely Played by VCU Professor

Diana Skinner

January 21, 2022, 12:04 PM · I am continually impressed by the musical talent housed within our college and university faculties. And I’m not just talking about the big-name conservatories. I recently viewed a livestream violin recital by Professor Susanna Klein at Virginia Commonwealth University and one word kept coming to mind: Wow!

Ms. Klein and Mr. Thompson performing Phillip Fridriech Böddecker’s Sonata in D minor. Keep reading...

Comments (5)

Interview with Violinist Sean Lee - Performing Paganini 24 Caprices

Laurie Niles

January 20, 2022, 2:06 PM · Violinist Sean Lee was just a teenager when he was studying with one of the most famous violinists who ever lived - Ruggiero Ricci.

Among other things, Ricci is famous for his legendary achievement as the first violinist ever to record all 24 of Niccolò Paganini's wickedly difficult Caprices, in 1947.

"One of the incredible things about studying the Caprices with Ruggiero Ricci was that he would often demonstrate and make it look so easy," Lee told me in an interview this week. "In retrospect, I think this made a big impact -- it took away a lot of the intimidation I felt. I would play some Paganini for him at every lesson, but we spent much more time on other repertoire. I think this was key to learning them initially -- not treating them as some ambitious project, but simply as a daily part of my studies."

Now, 75 years after Ricci's monumental accomplishment, Lee has both followed in his mentor's footsteps and plowed some ground of his own. Next week, on Jan. 27, Lee will perform all 24 Caprices live in a recital presented by Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. There's a twist - Lee will be playing them with pianist Peter Dugan in an arrangement made in the 1850s by Robert Schumann. The arrangement adds piano but leaves the violin part as written by Paganini. (Click here for information and tickets for the recital, which can be seen via livestream or live at Rose Studio in New York City.)

Here are Lee and Dugan, playing Schumann's arrangement of Paganini Caprice No. 20:

Keep reading...