Immerse yourself in the virtuosity of Michael Rabin, one of the most celebrated violinists of the 20th century, with this comprehensive collection, "Classical Masters 1954-1960." Spanning over five hours and twenty minutes, this album is a testament to Rabin's extraordinary talent and his deep connection with the violin. Released by Unchained Melodie, this compilation brings together Rabin's studio recordings from the mid-1950s to the early 1960s, offering a unique opportunity to experience his artistry in a variety of classical pieces.
The album features a diverse range of compositions, from the intricate and demanding works of Paganini and Tchaikovsky to the romantic elegance of Massenet and Saint-Saëns. Rabin's technical prowess is on full display in pieces like Paganini's "24 Caprices," while his expressive depth shines through in the lyrical passages of Tchaikovsky's violin concertos. The collection also includes lesser-known works, such as Sarasate's "Zigeunerweisen" and Wieniawski's "Faust Fantasy," showcasing Rabin's versatility and mastery of the violin.
Michael Rabin's playing is characterized by its clarity, precision, and expressive power. His performances on this album are a testament to his unique ability to blend technical brilliance with musical sensitivity. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. With its high-quality recordings and diverse repertoire, "Classical Masters 1954-1960" is an essential addition to any classical music lover's collection.
2012 Unchained Melodie
Tracks
Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 6: I. Allegro maestosoNiccolò Paganini
Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 6: II. AdagioNiccolò Paganini
Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 6: III. Allegro spirituosoNiccolò Paganini
Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A Minor, Op. 28Camille Saint-Saëns
Thaïs: MeditationJules Massenet
Nocturne in D Flat Major, Op. 27, No. 2Frédéric Chopin
Tale of Tsar Saltan: Flight of the BumblebeeNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64: I. AllegroFelix Mendelssohn
Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64: II. AndanteFelix Mendelssohn
Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64: III. AllegrettoFelix Mendelssohn
Scottish Fantasy in E Flat Major, Op. 46: I. GraveMax Bruch
Scottish Fantasy in E Flat Major, Op. 46: II. ScherzoMax Bruch
Scottish Fantasy in E Flat Major, Op. 46: III. Andante sostenutoMax Bruch
Scottish Fantasy in E Flat Major, Op. 46: IV. FinaleMax Bruch
Violin Concerto No. 1 in F Sharp Minor, Op. 14: I. Allegro moderatoHenryk Wieniawski
Violin Concerto No. 1 in F Sharp Minor, Op. 14: II. PreghieraHenryk Wieniawski
Violin Concerto No. 1 in F Sharp Minor, Op. 14: III. RondoHenryk Wieniawski
Sonata No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005: I. AdagioJohann Sebastian Bach
Sonata No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005: II. FugaJohann Sebastian Bach
Sonata No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005: III. LargoJohann Sebastian Bach
Sonata No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005: IV. Allegro assaiJohann Sebastian Bach
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35: I. Allegro moderatoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35: II. CanzonettaPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35: III. FinalePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
TziganeMaurice Ravel
Violin Concerto in A Minor, Op. 82: I. ModeratoAlexander Glazunov
Violin Concerto in A Minor, Op. 82: II. Andante sostenutoAlexander Glazunov
Violin Concerto in A Minor, Op. 82: III. AllegroAlexander Glazunov
Havanaise, Op. 83Camille Saint-Saëns
Violin Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 22: I. Allegro moderatoHenryk Wieniawski
Violin Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 22: II. RomanceHenryk Wieniawski
Violin Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 22: III. Allegro con fuocoHenryk Wieniawski
Sonata in D Minor, Op. 27, No. 3: BalladeEugène Ysaÿe
Sonata in C Minor, Op. 27, No. 4: I. AllemandaEugène Ysaÿe
Sonata in C Minor, Op. 27, No. 4: II. SarabandeEugène Ysaÿe
Sonata in C Minor, Op. 27, No. 4: III. FinaleEugène Ysaÿe
Études-Caprice, Op. 18, No. 4Henryk Wieniawski
Pièce en forme d'HabaneraClaude Debussy
La plus que lenteClaude Debussy
Jeune filles au jardinFederico Mompou
Étude in Thirds, Op. 8, No. 10Alexander Scriabin
March from "Love for Three Oranges"Sergei Prokofiev
Caprice viennois, Op. 2Fritz Kreisler
Sea-shellCarl Engel
La capricieuse, Op. 17Edward Elgar
Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs), Op. 20, No. 1Pablo de Sarasate
Michael Rabin, the American violinist, was a meteoric talent whose brief career left an indelible mark on the classical music world. Born in 1936, Rabin was recognised as a child prodigy, captivating audiences with his extraordinary skill and charisma. By his mid-teens, he was already an internationally acclaimed virtuoso, hailed as one of the most promising violinists of his generation.
Rabin's technical prowess and expressive playing set him apart, earning him a coveted recording contract with EMI and notable performances, such as recording the soundtrack for an Elizabeth Taylor film. His repertoire included iconic works like the Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 2, showcasing his profound musicality and virtuosity.
Tragically, Rabin's life was cut short at the age of 35, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. His recordings, now remastered from original tapes, offer a glimpse into the genius of a musician who, despite his brief career, remains one of the greatest violinists in history.
Vinylscout
Michael Rabin
