Kreisler: Caprice Viennois, Op. 2 (Viennese Caprice)

Along with his friend Caruso, Fritz Kreisler (1875–1962) was one of the superstars of the early gramophone era. He was “the master musician among the violinists of the day” (New York Times); he died 50 years ago (29 January 1962). As a composer, he is famous for his Viennese-style melodies, such as Liebesfreud and Liebesleid, for his notorious pieces “in the style of” various 18th-century masters (which he passed off as their original works, claiming to have rediscovered them in old manuscripts), and for his arrangements of well-known works by other composers.

We remember one of the world’s greatest violinists with an enticing 2CD set that includes a first time release on CD of a tribute LP from 1961, original Kreisler recordings, and an array of great modern violinists playing his works.

Tasmin Little’s formidable technical ability and gift for interpretation are unmistakable in this collection of showpieces. Displaying her brilliant virtuosity and captivating lyricism, and including her own witty Tchaikovskiana, written in collaboration with John Lenehan, these works highlight Little’s breathtaking skill as a performer.

22 miniatures for violin & piano, including Praeludium and Allegro, Liebesteid, Liebesfreud, Schon Rosmarin, Caprice Viennois, Tambourin Chinois, Rondino on a theme by Beethoven, Ave Maria (Schubert), Arioso (Bach).

Canadian Violinist Steven Stayk has been called the King of Concertmasters, having been concertmaster of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. This spectacular playing demands to be heard.

Following the success of Ben Breen’s first CD for Tall Poppies (Brahms Sonatas, TP172), he has teamed up again with veteran pianist Milton Kaye, for their second recording together. Sadly Milton Kaye has now passed away, so this CD is the last in his long legacy of contributions to the recording industry.

The music presented here is a selection of the salon music popular in the early 20th century. This music serves to present the personality and virtuosity of the performers, and each piece was often used as an encore after a strenuous recital. The works fitted well on the early twelve-inch 78 rpm discs, and these were often played on the radio. It is through these pieces that the musicians often gained a huge and devoted following.

As Milton Kaye has so often accompanied legendary violinists, such as Jascha Heifetz and Oscar Shumsky, that this music is in his blood. Australian violinist Ben Breen, a somewhat younger musician, has taken this style of music-making and made it his own. For this recording he has borrowed a gorgeous 1715 Guarneri violin which contributes significantly to the warmth of tone. His energy and virtuosity are partnered by Kaye’s understanding and experience.

David Garrett’s new classical CD/DVD is the Beethoven Violin Concerto - a LEGACY to Beethoven (and Kreisler). This is an opportunity for fans of the 31-year-old German-born violinist, familiar with his rock-inspired concerts and CDs to discover his first love – classical music.

The DVD part is divided into two sections; first: Live In Baden-Baden, Filmed At Festspielhaus. Live in Baden-Baden shows Garrett performing with The National Philharmonic Of Russia, and being led at the baton by Vladimir Spivakov and Lorenzo Coladonato; a phenomenal performance. Second comes, Playing For My Life – a career defining documentary on the life and work of David Garrett following his meteoric rise to fame and the new recording of his Legacy album.

Legacy is a message from the man himself that he has never really been away. Throughout his rock-violin crossover years, playing pure classical violin has remained central to David Garrett’s life and work.

BONUS DVD – Playing For My Life

Live In Baden-Baden Live Concert

Playing For My Life Documentary

For decades Fritz Kreisler duped his audiences into thinking that many of his works for violin and piano were arrangements of compositions by other composers such as Stamitz, Vivaldi, Couperin, Dittersdorf or Porpora. Only a handful of friends and fellow musicians who knew the nature of this charming and casually relaxed violinist, knew these were actually the works of Kreisler himself. It was only when he was aged sixty he publicly and freely admitted he concealed most of his own works behind the names of 17th and 18th century masters. Kreisler is today regarded as one of the greatest violinists of all time.

Kreisler wrote a number of pieces for the violin, including the ‘Liebesleid’ and ‘Liebesfreud’ arranged for piano and strings on this recording, that are frequently performed by violinists today as ‘encore’ solos.

The three works presented here are performed by one of the world’s leading ensembles, Budapest Strings.

Reissue of previously released title.

Chandos Records signed an exclusive contract with the Brodsky Quartet in time for the celebrations of its fortieth anniversary in 2012.

Formed in 1972, the Brodsky Quartet quickly emerged at the forefront of the international chamber music scene. It has performed more than 2000 concerts and made more than fifty highly acclaimed recordings. This is the Quartet’s first release on Chandos, and includes many of the encores it has performed over the years, notable for their novelty and diverse range of styles and emotions. All the pieces have been arranged by past or current members of the Quartet, and together form an entertaining and original collection.

The Quartet has enjoyed many successful collaborations over the years, and regularly works with artists such as Elvis Costello, Sting, Anne Sofie von Otter, Martin Roscoe, Michael Collins, Tunde Jegede, Dawn Upshaw, and Björk. Its boundless energy and tremendous enthusiasm have led it in many artistic directions, from the classic quartet repertoire of Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, and Tchaikovsky, to the very cutting edge of contemporary music and styles. Its passion to embrace ‘all good music’ has been the driving force behind its success and has kept its approach fresh and its enthusiasm high since its formation.

One recurring characteristic of the performances of the Quartet is its inclusion of guest artists, who take the group away from the standard string quartet repertoire. This will be reflected in two further recordings to be released on Chandos in 2012: A CD of works by Debussy, with the multi-award-winning pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet in the Piano Trio and the harpist Sioned Williams and double-bass player Chris Laurence in the Deux Dances for harp and strings; and a disc of American songs with the bass-baritone Sir Willard White.