Maxim Vengerov, the renowned violin virtuoso, presents "Violin Miniatures," a captivating collection of short, expressive works that showcase his extraordinary technical prowess and deep musical sensitivity. Released on November 3, 2024, by Warner Classics, this album is a testament to Vengerov's versatility and artistry, featuring a diverse range of compositions from some of the most celebrated composers in classical music history.
The album spans a variety of styles and periods, from the fiery "Sabre Dance" by Khachaturian to the lyrical "Méditation" from Massenet's "Thaïs." Vengerov's interpretations are both virtuosic and deeply expressive, bringing a unique perspective to each piece. The album also includes arrangements by Vengerov's collaborator, Parhamovsky, which add a fresh twist to familiar works.
Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Main Theme" from John Williams' "Schindler's List," the playful "Scherzo fantastique" by Bazzini, and the virtuosic "Cantabile" by Paganini. Vengerov's rendition of Rachmaninov's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" is a standout, showcasing his incredible technical skill and musical depth.
With a duration of over two hours, "Violin Miniatures" is a comprehensive exploration of the violin repertoire, offering something for every classical music enthusiast. Vengerov's playing is impeccable, and his interpretations are both insightful and deeply moving. This album is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of the violin.
Tchaikovsky: Souvenir d'un lieu cher, Op. 42: II. ScherzoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Maxim Vengerov, Itamar Golan
Tchaikovsky: Souvenir d'un lieu cher, Op. 42: III. MélodiePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Maxim Vengerov, Itamar Golan
Nováček: 8 Concert Caprices for Violin and Piano, Op. 5: No. 4, Perpetuum mobile (Arr. Parhamovsky for Violin and Ensemble)Ottokar Novácek, Maxim Vengerov, Vag Papian, Virtuosi, Mikhail Parhamovsky
Brahms: 21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 7 in F Major (Arr. Parhamovsky for Violin and Ensemble)Johannes Brahms, Maxim Vengerov, Vag Papian, Virtuosi, Mikhail Parhamovsky
Ysaÿe: Sonata for Solo Violin in A Minor, Op. 27 No. 2: IV. Les furies. Allegro furiosoEugène Ysaÿe, Maxim Vengerov
Paganini: Cantabile in D Major, Op. 17Niccolò Paganini, Maxim Vengerov, Ian Brown
Kreisler: Alt-Wiener Tanzweisen: No. 2, LiebesleidFritz Kreisler, Maxim Vengerov, Ian Brown
Kreisler: Alt-Wiener Tanzweisen: No. 1, LiebesfreudFritz Kreisler, Maxim Vengerov, Ian Brown
Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XVIII (Arr. Kreisler for Violin and Piano)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Maxim Vengerov, Ian Brown
Brahms: 21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 5 in G Minor (Arr. Parhamovsky for Violin and Ensemble)Johannes Brahms, Maxim Vengerov, Vag Papian, Virtuosi, Mikhail Parhamovsky
Wieniawski: Scherzo-tarentelle, Op. 16Henryk Wieniawski, Maxim Vengerov, Ian Brown